5 human rights cases you can take action for this July

Rights belong to every one of us – but they are abused and denied every single day. From across the globe into our own backyard, our human rights are under threat. This can feel really overwhelming, and at times, hopeless. But when this happens, we search out the facts. We expose what’s happening on the ground. And we rally people together to pressure governments and those in power to respect our human rights. Here are 5 cases you can take action for now:

Call on Indonesia to release peaceful anti-racism protester, Victor Yeimo

West Papuan Anti-racism protester, Victor Yeimo.

Victor Yeimo leads the West Papua National Committee. It’s the largest and most persecuted non-violent organization fighting for self-determination. He is also the spokesperson of the Papuan People’s Petition, a network of 112 mostly Indigenous groups fighting against the extension of ‘Special Autonomy status’ in West Papua. Victor is being punished for his peaceful, pro-independence activism. Right now, he is being held in solitary confinement, with limited access to his family and lawyer. He has a medical condition that requires regular treatment. He needs our help. Take action by adding your name now.

Demand Japan stop discriminating against LGBTQIA+ people

Did you know that same-sex marriage is illegal in Japan? Transgender people are even forced to undergo sterilisation, just to have their identity recognised. Across the country, LGBTQIA+ people face discrimination like this throughout their lives. With the Olympics about to begin and all eyes on Japan, now is the time to act. Help put pressure on the Japanese government, by signing the petition now.

Stand with 6 youth environmental activists in Cambodia, imprisoned for their activism

In Cambodia, environmental activists face severe threats and repression from private companies and the authorities – all for protecting the environment, advocating for climate justice, and promoting the rights of Indigenous communities. Long Kunthea, Phuon Keoraksmey, Thun Ratha, Sun Ratha, Ly Chandaravuth and Yim Leanghy are 6 young activists who have been imprisoned for their peaceful activism. Stand with them, and call on the Cambodian authorities to release them now.

Call for Nazanin’s release, so she can be reunited with her family

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe is a British-Iranian charity worker. She has been sentenced to another year in prison for “propaganda against the system”, after finishing up a 5 year sentence for trumped up national security charges. In 2016, Nazanin and her two-year-old daughter Gabriella were holidaying in Iran visiting her parents. While on their way home, Nazanin was arrested at the airport. Her physical and mental health has suffered, and she has been denied access to healthcare. Call for Nazanin’s immediate release now.

Nazanin hugging her partner while smiling into the camera
Nazanin and her husband Richard.

Tell Minister Worden: Don’t expand Dondale

The number of children in the dangerous Don Dale Youth Detention Centre in Darwin, Northern Territory has skyrocketed due to harmful new bail reforms. Now, Minister Kate Worden has announced that she will spend at least $2.5 million on Don Dale to ‘refurbish’ ‘non-utilised’ parts of the centre so that more children can be imprisoned. Witnesses on the ground have told us that kids need to huddle in corners of their cells to avoid being rained on, and are being forced to stay in their cells for 9-hours a day due to short-staffing. The Royal Commission into youth justice in the Northern Territory recommended that Don Dale close, and be replaced with a smaller, therapeutic facility. That was in 2018. Instead of spending millions on expanding prisons, Minister Worden needs to do everything she can to keep kids out of prison. Join the call to tell the Minister now – Don’t expand Dondale!

Sign calling for rehabilitation not incarceration at Don Dale vigil.
© Amnesty International