AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
Public Statement
AI Index: MDE 13/122/2007 (Public)
News Service No: 200
18 October 2007
Iran: Amnesty International condemns new wave of executions
Amnesty International today expressed alarm at the new wave of executions in Iran and said that it has already recorded almost 250 executions since the beginning of 2007, although the true total of those put to death could be significantly higher.
The victims of the latest executions include a woman who was apparently convicted for a murder which took place as she sought to protect herself from an attempted rape, and one or possibly three child offenders.
On Wednesday 17 October alone, at least nine people were executed in Tehran's Evin Prison, all of them convicted of murder, and at least another three in Shiraz, who were convicted for the kidnapping and rape of two women. On 10 October, two Iranian Kurds were hanged in Sanandaj Prison for the murder of a security official, which took place in January 2007.
With the executions in Sanandaj, Shiraz and Tehran, Amnesty International has, to date, recorded 244 executions in the course of 2007, although the organisation fears that the true figure could be significantly higher.
The execution of at least nine people in Tehran's Evin Prison included Fakhteh S, a 24 year old, who was sentenced to death for the murder of a man, aged 80, at his house. Fakhteh S reportedly worked as a caretaker at the man's residence and was found by the court to have stolen some of his property. She alleged that he was trying to rape her when she stabbed him. She was hanged inside Evin Prison at 5:30 on the morning of 17 October 2007.
Babak, 23, was sentenced to death for the murder by suffocation of his room-mate, which took place on 12 January 2002. It is unclear whether he was under 18 years of age at the time, or if either of two others convicted in the same case were under 18; if so, they were the latest child offenders to have been executed in Iran in violation of international standards prohibiting the use of the death penalty for persons who commit crimes while under 18..
Amnesty is gravely concerned at reports that six members of Iran's Arab minority are also at risk of imminent execution. According to their families, Rasool 'Ali Mezrea', 65, Hamza Sawari, 20, Zamel Bawi, 'Abdul-Imam Za'eri, Nazem Bureihi and Ahmad Marmazi, 35, all held in Karoun Prison, Khuzestan, have been moved to a cell reserved for those soon to be executed.
Rasool 'Ali Mezrea' is a member of the Ahwazi Liberation Organization (ALO) and is recognized as a refugee by the United Nations High commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and had been accepted for resettlement in a third country, but was forcibly returned to Iran from Syria on 16 May 2006.
Hamza Sawari, Zamel Bawi, 'Abdul-Imam Za'eri and Nazem Bureihi had their death sentences confirmed on 10 June 2006 by Branch 3 of the Revolutionary Court in Ahwaz, Khuzestan. At the end of July 2006 the Supreme Court upheld the sentences of Abdul-Imam Za'eri and Nazem Bureihi.
The five men have reportedly been accused of being "mohareb" (at enmity with God) which can carry the death penalty. Other charges include "destabilising the country," "attempting to overthrow the government," "possession of home made bombs," "sabotage of oil installations," and carrying out bombings in Ahvaz, which took place between June and October 2005 and caused the deaths of at least six people and wounded more than a hundred others.
Nazem Bureihi has reportedly been in custody since 2000 having been arrested on charges of "insurgency". Though he was serving a 35 year prison sentence, he was among nine men shown on Khuzestan Provincial television on 1 March 2006, "confessing" to involvement in the October 2005 bombings.
Zamel Bawi was reportedly convicted of hiding seven home-made time bombs, which he allegedly defused before his arrest.
Amnesty International recognizes the right and responsibility of governments to bring to justice those suspected of criminal offences, but opposes the death penalty as the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment. The organisation is calling on the Iranian authorities to commute all death sentences with a view to establishing a moratorium.
In view of the irreversible nature of the death penalty, the organisation is once again urging Iran's judiciary to review all cases of those sentenced to death to ensure that the all international standards protecting the right to a fair trial were scrupulously observed in these cases.
In light of Amnesty International's long-standing concerns relating to the administration of justice in Iran, the organisation urges the judicial authorities to ensure that all safeguards and due process guarantees set out in international standards applicable during pre-trial, trial and appellate stages must be fully respected.
Amnesty International reminds the Iranian authorities that Article 6(2) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran is a state party, states that the sentence of death may be imposed only for the most serious crimes in accordance with the law in force at the time of the commission of the crime, and that this means that crimes punishable by death should not go beyond intentional crimes with lethal or other extremely grave consequences and that all mitigating factors must be taken into account.
Monday, October 22, 2007
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL USA
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL USA
PRESS RELEASE
October 18, 2007
Human Rights Groups Say Congress Should Keep Hold on Military Aid to Colombia
Visiting Colombian Defense Secretary Must Explain Rise in Reports of Extrajudicial Executions, Say Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch
(Washington)--Amnesty International USA and Human Rights Watch today called on members of Congress to question Colombian Defense Secretary Juan Manuel Santos during his two-day trip to Washington about the steep rise in reports of extrajudicial executions by the Colombian military.
The organizations urged Congress to maintain a hold on $55 million in military assistance until substantial progress is made in addressing key human rights concerns. Defense Secretary Santos is currently in Washington on a two-day visit.
"Colombia's Defense Secretary must explain to Congress why there has been a dramatic rise in reports of extrajudicial executions of civilians by the armed forces over the past several years, and why these killings continue to this day," AIUSA and HRW said. "By maintaining the hold on military aid, Congress will continue to send a clear signal that US money will not flow freely to the military until these reports are thoroughly investigated and appropriate remedial action is taken."
Last March, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice certified the release of $55.2 million in military funds to Colombia after vouching for the country?s progress in human rights in a 56-page "Memorandum of Justification." Only one paragraph in the document made reference to cases of extrajudicial executions.
Earlier that month, however, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights reported that the executions were not isolated events but rather were occurring "in various units over a large area of the country" and were becoming "increasingly common." The UN High Commissioner demanded "far-reaching measures." Congress then put a hold on the release of the funds.
Some of the executions are reportedly being committed by military units that have received US military aid and by units operating under the guidance of US military advisers, according to Amnesty International.
An international mission of legal experts accompanied by Colombian organizations recently traveled to different parts of the country to examine the reports of extrajudicial executions and impunity for members of the security forces. A coalition of Colombian human rights groups had previously documented the serious human rights violations. AIUSA and HRW have also gathered information on such cases.
"This is an extremely delicate time in Colombia," the two organizations said. "Congress needs to send the clear message that, consistent with U.S. law, the release of the funds will depend on Colombia making substantial progress on human rights."
Reports of extrajudicial executions are thought to be in the hundreds annually. Various reports show a pattern of soldiers allegedly killing civilians and presenting them as guerrillas killed in combat. Investigations, when pursued, are often done under military jurisdiction, and more often than not, are inadequate.
AIUSA and HRW said the US government, which has advised Colombia on reforming its military justice system, must now tell the Colombian government that cases implicating the security forces in human rights violations must once and for all be excluded from military courts.
Rather than take the issue of extrajudicial executions seriously, Colombian President Alvaro Uribe in a July speech claimed that "the guerrillas have another strategy: every time there is a casualty in the guerrillas, they immediately mobilize their chorus leaders in the country and abroad to say that it was an extrajudicial execution."
Uribe has repeatedly made statements attempting to link human rights groups to Colombia?s guerrilla groups, which for decades have been responsible for serious and repeated violations of international humanitarian law.
AIUSA and HRW also noted that there has been no significant progress in a number of high-profile cases of human rights violations implicating the military. One example is the case of General Rito Alejo del Río, whose US visa was revoked several years ago due to evidence that he had collaborated with paramilitaries in human rights violations when he commanded the 17th Brigade of the Colombian Army. Early in the Uribe administration, the investigation was summarily closed. Paramilitary commander Salvatore Mancuso has recently stated in hearings before prosecutors that Del Río had, in fact, collaborated with his group. Prosecutors have yet to reopen any investigation into the allegations against Del Río.
Another case of concern to the organizations is the February 2005 massacre of eight people in the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó. AIUSA and HRW welcome the decision of the Attorney General?s office to call on 69 soldiers to testify in connection with the massacre.
"Unfortunately, instead of fully supporting this serious investigation, Minister of Defense Santos questioned the prosecutors' decision," said AIUSA and HRW.
Concerns also remain about the over 160 killings of Peace Community members since 1997, most of which were reportedly committed by paramilitaries and the security forces who have not been prosecuted.
Given concerns about military aid and the critical human rights situation in the country, the Colombian government should fully comply with repeated UN human rights recommendations.
Contact: Suzanne Trimel (AIUSA),(212)-633-4150, Maria McFarland (HRW),(508)757-0357
In Washington: Jose Miguel Vivanco (HRW),(917)-519-8363
PRESS RELEASE
October 18, 2007
Human Rights Groups Say Congress Should Keep Hold on Military Aid to Colombia
Visiting Colombian Defense Secretary Must Explain Rise in Reports of Extrajudicial Executions, Say Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch
(Washington)--Amnesty International USA and Human Rights Watch today called on members of Congress to question Colombian Defense Secretary Juan Manuel Santos during his two-day trip to Washington about the steep rise in reports of extrajudicial executions by the Colombian military.
The organizations urged Congress to maintain a hold on $55 million in military assistance until substantial progress is made in addressing key human rights concerns. Defense Secretary Santos is currently in Washington on a two-day visit.
"Colombia's Defense Secretary must explain to Congress why there has been a dramatic rise in reports of extrajudicial executions of civilians by the armed forces over the past several years, and why these killings continue to this day," AIUSA and HRW said. "By maintaining the hold on military aid, Congress will continue to send a clear signal that US money will not flow freely to the military until these reports are thoroughly investigated and appropriate remedial action is taken."
Last March, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice certified the release of $55.2 million in military funds to Colombia after vouching for the country?s progress in human rights in a 56-page "Memorandum of Justification." Only one paragraph in the document made reference to cases of extrajudicial executions.
Earlier that month, however, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights reported that the executions were not isolated events but rather were occurring "in various units over a large area of the country" and were becoming "increasingly common." The UN High Commissioner demanded "far-reaching measures." Congress then put a hold on the release of the funds.
Some of the executions are reportedly being committed by military units that have received US military aid and by units operating under the guidance of US military advisers, according to Amnesty International.
An international mission of legal experts accompanied by Colombian organizations recently traveled to different parts of the country to examine the reports of extrajudicial executions and impunity for members of the security forces. A coalition of Colombian human rights groups had previously documented the serious human rights violations. AIUSA and HRW have also gathered information on such cases.
"This is an extremely delicate time in Colombia," the two organizations said. "Congress needs to send the clear message that, consistent with U.S. law, the release of the funds will depend on Colombia making substantial progress on human rights."
Reports of extrajudicial executions are thought to be in the hundreds annually. Various reports show a pattern of soldiers allegedly killing civilians and presenting them as guerrillas killed in combat. Investigations, when pursued, are often done under military jurisdiction, and more often than not, are inadequate.
AIUSA and HRW said the US government, which has advised Colombia on reforming its military justice system, must now tell the Colombian government that cases implicating the security forces in human rights violations must once and for all be excluded from military courts.
Rather than take the issue of extrajudicial executions seriously, Colombian President Alvaro Uribe in a July speech claimed that "the guerrillas have another strategy: every time there is a casualty in the guerrillas, they immediately mobilize their chorus leaders in the country and abroad to say that it was an extrajudicial execution."
Uribe has repeatedly made statements attempting to link human rights groups to Colombia?s guerrilla groups, which for decades have been responsible for serious and repeated violations of international humanitarian law.
AIUSA and HRW also noted that there has been no significant progress in a number of high-profile cases of human rights violations implicating the military. One example is the case of General Rito Alejo del Río, whose US visa was revoked several years ago due to evidence that he had collaborated with paramilitaries in human rights violations when he commanded the 17th Brigade of the Colombian Army. Early in the Uribe administration, the investigation was summarily closed. Paramilitary commander Salvatore Mancuso has recently stated in hearings before prosecutors that Del Río had, in fact, collaborated with his group. Prosecutors have yet to reopen any investigation into the allegations against Del Río.
Another case of concern to the organizations is the February 2005 massacre of eight people in the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó. AIUSA and HRW welcome the decision of the Attorney General?s office to call on 69 soldiers to testify in connection with the massacre.
"Unfortunately, instead of fully supporting this serious investigation, Minister of Defense Santos questioned the prosecutors' decision," said AIUSA and HRW.
Concerns also remain about the over 160 killings of Peace Community members since 1997, most of which were reportedly committed by paramilitaries and the security forces who have not been prosecuted.
Given concerns about military aid and the critical human rights situation in the country, the Colombian government should fully comply with repeated UN human rights recommendations.
Contact: Suzanne Trimel (AIUSA),(212)-633-4150, Maria McFarland (HRW),(508)757-0357
In Washington: Jose Miguel Vivanco (HRW),(917)-519-8363
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL - China: Reform
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PRESS RELEASE
AI Index: ASA 17/051/2007 (Public)
News Service No: 197
18 October 2007
Embargo Date: 18 October 2007 01:00 GMT
China: Reform of abusive detention law vital to Beijing Olympics human rights commitments
Amnesty International today published an open letter to the Standing Committee of China's legislature, the National People's Congress, calling for an end to 'Re-education Through Labour' (RTL), a form of detention imposed without charge, trial or judicial review for up to four years.
According to official Chinese media, the Standing Committee is due to discuss a new law, the 'Illegal Behaviour Correction Law', to replace RTL this month. The reform of RTL, and the discussion on the new law, has been stalled for more than two years.
Meanwhile, in the lead-up to the 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing police have used China's hosting of the Games as a pretext to extend abusive detention practices such as RTL and 'Enforced Drug Rehabilitation', in the name of 'cleaning up' the city.
"Efforts to 'clean up' the city ahead of the Games through extending detention without trial raise serious questions about the commitment Chinese officials have made to improve their human rights record at the awarding of the Games to China," said Catherine Baber, Head of the Asia-Pacific Programme at Amnesty International.
Hundreds of thousands of people are believed to be held in RTL facilities, many in harsh conditions. RTL is used against people considered by the Chinese police to have committed offences not serious enough to be punished under the Criminal Law. These include petty criminals, critics of the government and followers of banned beliefs.
The proposed reform of RTL has been on China's legislative agenda for more than two years. Amnesty International has long raised concerns about the use of RTL, and urges the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress in the lead-up to the Olympics to ensure that any legislation adopted to replace RTL complies fully with international human rights standards, including the right to fair trial.
"A positive Olympic legacy would mean fair trials according to international standards and an end to arbitrary police detention," said Catherine Baber. "We are less than one year from the start of the Beijing Games, and if the Chinese authorities are serious about the commitment they have made to improve their human rights record, they now have a unique opportunity to move one step closer to this, by ending these abusive detention practices."
Note to editors:
The National People's Congress (NPC) is distinct from the Chinese Communist Party which is holding its 17th Congress this week. The NPC is China's legislature and highest state body. It comprises around 3,000 delegates and meets every year for two weeks in March. The Standing Committee of the NPC exercises power between these sessions and meets every two months.
To download a copy of the open letter to the National People's Congress, please visit: http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGASA170202007
To download a copy of the media kit listing Amnesty International's concerns in the lead-up to the Beijing Olympic Games, please visit:
http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGASA170432007
Public Document
****************************************
For more information please call Amnesty International's press office in London, UK, on +44 20 7413 5566
Amnesty International, 1 Easton St., London WC1X 0DW. web: http://www.amnesty.org
For latest human rights news view http://news.amnesty.org
PRESS RELEASE
AI Index: ASA 17/051/2007 (Public)
News Service No: 197
18 October 2007
Embargo Date: 18 October 2007 01:00 GMT
China: Reform of abusive detention law vital to Beijing Olympics human rights commitments
Amnesty International today published an open letter to the Standing Committee of China's legislature, the National People's Congress, calling for an end to 'Re-education Through Labour' (RTL), a form of detention imposed without charge, trial or judicial review for up to four years.
According to official Chinese media, the Standing Committee is due to discuss a new law, the 'Illegal Behaviour Correction Law', to replace RTL this month. The reform of RTL, and the discussion on the new law, has been stalled for more than two years.
Meanwhile, in the lead-up to the 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing police have used China's hosting of the Games as a pretext to extend abusive detention practices such as RTL and 'Enforced Drug Rehabilitation', in the name of 'cleaning up' the city.
"Efforts to 'clean up' the city ahead of the Games through extending detention without trial raise serious questions about the commitment Chinese officials have made to improve their human rights record at the awarding of the Games to China," said Catherine Baber, Head of the Asia-Pacific Programme at Amnesty International.
Hundreds of thousands of people are believed to be held in RTL facilities, many in harsh conditions. RTL is used against people considered by the Chinese police to have committed offences not serious enough to be punished under the Criminal Law. These include petty criminals, critics of the government and followers of banned beliefs.
The proposed reform of RTL has been on China's legislative agenda for more than two years. Amnesty International has long raised concerns about the use of RTL, and urges the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress in the lead-up to the Olympics to ensure that any legislation adopted to replace RTL complies fully with international human rights standards, including the right to fair trial.
"A positive Olympic legacy would mean fair trials according to international standards and an end to arbitrary police detention," said Catherine Baber. "We are less than one year from the start of the Beijing Games, and if the Chinese authorities are serious about the commitment they have made to improve their human rights record, they now have a unique opportunity to move one step closer to this, by ending these abusive detention practices."
Note to editors:
The National People's Congress (NPC) is distinct from the Chinese Communist Party which is holding its 17th Congress this week. The NPC is China's legislature and highest state body. It comprises around 3,000 delegates and meets every year for two weeks in March. The Standing Committee of the NPC exercises power between these sessions and meets every two months.
To download a copy of the open letter to the National People's Congress, please visit: http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGASA170202007
To download a copy of the media kit listing Amnesty International's concerns in the lead-up to the Beijing Olympic Games, please visit:
http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGASA170432007
Public Document
****************************************
For more information please call Amnesty International's press office in London, UK, on +44 20 7413 5566
Amnesty International, 1 Easton St., London WC1X 0DW. web: http://www.amnesty.org
For latest human rights news view http://news.amnesty.org
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL - Public Statement
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
Public Statement
AI Index: ASA 33/023/2007 (Public)
News Service No: 201
19 October 2007
Pakistan: Amnesty International condemns bomb attacks on political rally in Karachi
Amnesty International condemns the bomb attacks on a peaceful political rally held by the opposition Pakistan People's Party (PPP) in Karachi on 18 October which reportedly resulted in the death of more than 130 people and the injury of over 500.
Amnesty International condemns all deliberate attacks against civilians. Such attacks are absolutely prohibited under international law and can never be justified. They demonstrate an utter disregard for the most fundamental principles of humanity, and must be immediately, totally and unconditionally stopped.
The nature of the bomb attacks have yet to be confirmed, but most media reports state that suicide bombers caused the blasts. No group, as yet, has claimed responsibility.
The attacks took place when Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan's former Prime Minister, was leading a rally of her party supporters on her return to Pakistan after more than eight years of self-imposed exile.
In recent months, Pakistan has suffered a series of suicide attacks across the country which have killed at least 100 civilians, including in the capital Islamabad and in Rawalpindi and Peshawar. Armed political groups have been suspected of carrying out these attacks, including at least one other peaceful political gathering.
Amnesty International calls upon all parties -- state and non state actors -- to respect every person's right to life, as well as their right to peacefully exercise their freedom of expression, association and assembly, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. The organization regards respect for and protection of these rights as of critical importance as political tension rise in the run up to the general elections expected to be held by January 2008.
Amnesty International urges the Government of Pakistan to ensure that the bomb attacks on the Karachi rally and previous attacks on civilians are investigated promptly, independently and impartially. Those suspected of perpetrating the attacks must be brought to justice, in proceedings which meet international standards of fairness and without the imposition of the death penalty.
Background Information:
The latest attacks come against a backdrop of increasing political tensions in the country following the suspension by President Musharraf of the Chief Justice in March 2007, which resulted widespread mass protests, with over 40 people killed in violent clashes in Karachi in May. In June hundreds of political activists in Punjab province and other parts of the country were subject to arbitrary arrest and detention as they sought hold peaceful rallies in support of the Chief Justice - who was reinstated in July 2006.
Political violence, including suicide attacks, increased again following operations by the security forces to flush out armed militants from Islamabad's Red Mosque (Lal Masjid) in July. In recent months there has been an upsurge in armed attacks in Warziristan in the Tribal Areas, which border Afghanistan, between radical militants and the Pakistan security forces, with both sides reportedly resorting to indiscriminate attacks in which many of civilians have reportedly died.
Additionally political tensions have mounted in the run-up to Presidential elections (held in October) and general elections (expected by January 2008). There have been repeated reports of excessive use of force by the authorities against largely peaceful demonstrations by political activists, lawyers and others.
Public Statement
AI Index: ASA 33/023/2007 (Public)
News Service No: 201
19 October 2007
Pakistan: Amnesty International condemns bomb attacks on political rally in Karachi
Amnesty International condemns the bomb attacks on a peaceful political rally held by the opposition Pakistan People's Party (PPP) in Karachi on 18 October which reportedly resulted in the death of more than 130 people and the injury of over 500.
Amnesty International condemns all deliberate attacks against civilians. Such attacks are absolutely prohibited under international law and can never be justified. They demonstrate an utter disregard for the most fundamental principles of humanity, and must be immediately, totally and unconditionally stopped.
The nature of the bomb attacks have yet to be confirmed, but most media reports state that suicide bombers caused the blasts. No group, as yet, has claimed responsibility.
The attacks took place when Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan's former Prime Minister, was leading a rally of her party supporters on her return to Pakistan after more than eight years of self-imposed exile.
In recent months, Pakistan has suffered a series of suicide attacks across the country which have killed at least 100 civilians, including in the capital Islamabad and in Rawalpindi and Peshawar. Armed political groups have been suspected of carrying out these attacks, including at least one other peaceful political gathering.
Amnesty International calls upon all parties -- state and non state actors -- to respect every person's right to life, as well as their right to peacefully exercise their freedom of expression, association and assembly, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. The organization regards respect for and protection of these rights as of critical importance as political tension rise in the run up to the general elections expected to be held by January 2008.
Amnesty International urges the Government of Pakistan to ensure that the bomb attacks on the Karachi rally and previous attacks on civilians are investigated promptly, independently and impartially. Those suspected of perpetrating the attacks must be brought to justice, in proceedings which meet international standards of fairness and without the imposition of the death penalty.
Background Information:
The latest attacks come against a backdrop of increasing political tensions in the country following the suspension by President Musharraf of the Chief Justice in March 2007, which resulted widespread mass protests, with over 40 people killed in violent clashes in Karachi in May. In June hundreds of political activists in Punjab province and other parts of the country were subject to arbitrary arrest and detention as they sought hold peaceful rallies in support of the Chief Justice - who was reinstated in July 2006.
Political violence, including suicide attacks, increased again following operations by the security forces to flush out armed militants from Islamabad's Red Mosque (Lal Masjid) in July. In recent months there has been an upsurge in armed attacks in Warziristan in the Tribal Areas, which border Afghanistan, between radical militants and the Pakistan security forces, with both sides reportedly resorting to indiscriminate attacks in which many of civilians have reportedly died.
Additionally political tensions have mounted in the run-up to Presidential elections (held in October) and general elections (expected by January 2008). There have been repeated reports of excessive use of force by the authorities against largely peaceful demonstrations by political activists, lawyers and others.
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL - EU-Africa Summit
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PRESS RELEASE
AI Index: AFR 01/003/2007 (Public)
News Service No: 202
22 October 2007
EU-Africa Summit: Amnesty International denies reports of call for Sudanese exclusion
Amnesty International today denied reports that it had issued a call for Sudanese President Omar al- Bashir to be excluded from attending the upcoming EU-Africa Summit, scheduled to take place in Lisbon in December this year.
The reports were carried by the Portuguese news agency LUSA and Agence France Presse (AFP) on 19 October.
Amnesty International said that it welcomes dialogue and urged leaders from both Africa and the EU to ensure that human rights are a key part of the talks planned for December.
"Regardless of who attends the EU-Africa Summit, we would like to see a positive human rights outcome of the meeting and believe that human rights in both Africa and the EU countries should be at the heart of any EU-African dialogue," said Erwin van der Borght, Director of Amnesty International's Africa Programme.
Public Document
****************************************
For more information please call Amnesty International's press office in London, UK, on +44 20 7413 5566
Amnesty International, 1 Easton St., London WC1X 0DW. web: http://www.amnesty.org
For latest human rights news view http://news.amnesty.org
PRESS RELEASE
AI Index: AFR 01/003/2007 (Public)
News Service No: 202
22 October 2007
EU-Africa Summit: Amnesty International denies reports of call for Sudanese exclusion
Amnesty International today denied reports that it had issued a call for Sudanese President Omar al- Bashir to be excluded from attending the upcoming EU-Africa Summit, scheduled to take place in Lisbon in December this year.
The reports were carried by the Portuguese news agency LUSA and Agence France Presse (AFP) on 19 October.
Amnesty International said that it welcomes dialogue and urged leaders from both Africa and the EU to ensure that human rights are a key part of the talks planned for December.
"Regardless of who attends the EU-Africa Summit, we would like to see a positive human rights outcome of the meeting and believe that human rights in both Africa and the EU countries should be at the heart of any EU-African dialogue," said Erwin van der Borght, Director of Amnesty International's Africa Programme.
Public Document
****************************************
For more information please call Amnesty International's press office in London, UK, on +44 20 7413 5566
Amnesty International, 1 Easton St., London WC1X 0DW. web: http://www.amnesty.org
For latest human rights news view http://news.amnesty.org
Thursday, October 18, 2007
HRF Honors Iranian Women's Leader, TV’s 'Criminal Minds' and Retired Military Leaders at Annual Awards Dinner
HRF Honors Iranian Women's Leader, TV’s 'Criminal Minds' and Retired Military Leaders at Annual Awards Dinner
By Human Rights First
Release: October 16, 2007
Human Rights First brought together Iranian human rights advocates, retired U.S. generals and admirals, celebrities, and philanthropists for its 2007 Human Rights Award Dinner, recognizing extraordinary work in the past year to end human rights violations around the world. Dinner host Meredith Vieira of NBC’s “Today” show and HRF board member Sigourney Weaver were among the 1,000 people at the annual gathering, held at New York’s Chelsea Piers.
Iranian women’s leader Fariba Davoodi Mohajer, one of the founders of the One Million Signatures Campaign for women’s rights, received the 2007 Human Rights Award for dedicating her life to challenging laws that discriminate against Iranian women, including the lack of legal recourse for victims of violence.
Sam Waterston of “Law and Order” presented the Award for Excellence in Television to the CBS program “Criminal Minds” for its realistic depictions of torture and interrogation.
The retired generals and admirals, including speakers Gen. Joseph Hoar and Rear Adm. John Hutson, were recognized for their leadership in bringing prisoner treatment back into line with the Geneva Conventions and ensuring that torture is never again a part of U.S. policy. In April 2007, they began meeting individually with presidential candidates to discuss the need for policies that honor the values American servicemembers fight to protect.
By Human Rights First
Release: October 16, 2007
Human Rights First brought together Iranian human rights advocates, retired U.S. generals and admirals, celebrities, and philanthropists for its 2007 Human Rights Award Dinner, recognizing extraordinary work in the past year to end human rights violations around the world. Dinner host Meredith Vieira of NBC’s “Today” show and HRF board member Sigourney Weaver were among the 1,000 people at the annual gathering, held at New York’s Chelsea Piers.
Iranian women’s leader Fariba Davoodi Mohajer, one of the founders of the One Million Signatures Campaign for women’s rights, received the 2007 Human Rights Award for dedicating her life to challenging laws that discriminate against Iranian women, including the lack of legal recourse for victims of violence.
Sam Waterston of “Law and Order” presented the Award for Excellence in Television to the CBS program “Criminal Minds” for its realistic depictions of torture and interrogation.
The retired generals and admirals, including speakers Gen. Joseph Hoar and Rear Adm. John Hutson, were recognized for their leadership in bringing prisoner treatment back into line with the Geneva Conventions and ensuring that torture is never again a part of U.S. policy. In April 2007, they began meeting individually with presidential candidates to discuss the need for policies that honor the values American servicemembers fight to protect.
Pavee Lackeen
Pavee Lackeen
Date: Tue 19 February 2008
Directed by Perry Ogden
Running time 88 mins, (cert 15)
This event is part of our Behind the Screen series
"Life is like a bank: what you put in you get out." So says a fortune teller in the opening scene of Pavee Lackeen. By rights, the world should lie open before the 10-year-old girl whose palm has just been read. However Young Winnie is an Irish Traveller, and the revelation in the following scene that her mother has just had to hock her own wedding ring for a small amount of cash suggests that Winnie may never have much capital to invest in the bank of life. And if Winnie's existence already seems precarious at the film's beginning, it is far more so by the end.
Played by a largely non-professional cast of Travellers, this is a funny and moving portrait of a community destined to remain in a trap of poverty, illiteracy and petty crime, engendered by uncaring bureaucracy and social exclusion.
Find out how to get to the Human Rights Action Centre
Event Type Film
Dedicated event Behind the Screen
Event venue Human Rights Action Centre, 17 - 25 New Inn Yard, London EC2A 3EA
Time 6.30pm
Price Free of charge
Online tickets Book this event
Date: Tue 19 February 2008
Directed by Perry Ogden
Running time 88 mins, (cert 15)
This event is part of our Behind the Screen series
"Life is like a bank: what you put in you get out." So says a fortune teller in the opening scene of Pavee Lackeen. By rights, the world should lie open before the 10-year-old girl whose palm has just been read. However Young Winnie is an Irish Traveller, and the revelation in the following scene that her mother has just had to hock her own wedding ring for a small amount of cash suggests that Winnie may never have much capital to invest in the bank of life. And if Winnie's existence already seems precarious at the film's beginning, it is far more so by the end.
Played by a largely non-professional cast of Travellers, this is a funny and moving portrait of a community destined to remain in a trap of poverty, illiteracy and petty crime, engendered by uncaring bureaucracy and social exclusion.
Find out how to get to the Human Rights Action Centre
Event Type Film
Dedicated event Behind the Screen
Event venue Human Rights Action Centre, 17 - 25 New Inn Yard, London EC2A 3EA
Time 6.30pm
Price Free of charge
Online tickets Book this event
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
