Fall 2008 Issues

Each semester we choose a few issues to work on. This semester we are focusing on children, Darfur, Prisoners of Conscience (POCs), refugees, & torture. The following information is from the Amnesty USA website. More information on these issues can be found at www.amnestyusa.org.

Children

As human beings, children are entitled to all the rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, but children also need special protection and care. Children's human rights are the blocks with which we build a human rights culture in societies and secure human rights for future generations. Take action to protect and promote the human rights of children around the world.

One action you can take: Demand an end to child life without parole

Darfur

Working to end the crisis in the Darfur conflict region, Amnesty's Darfur Campaign focuses on three goals: 1) security for displaced civilians including the deployment of peacekeepers in the Darfur conflict region; 2) access for humanitarian organizations to reach displaced civilians; and 3) accountability for the massive human rights abuses.

One action you can take: Urge the UN to deploy UNAMID

Prisoners of Conscience

For more than 45 years, Amnesty International has come to the aid of prisoners of conscience and other individuals at risk of serious human rights violations. Thanks to the actions of Amnesty supporters like you, more than 44,000 individuals have been freed from prison, saved from torture and protected from death threats. Amnesty's Campaign for Individuals at Risk provides hope and improves lives.

Two actions you can take: Urge authorities to immediately & unconditionally release Fathi el-Jahmi & Aung San Suu Kyi

Refugees

Amnesty International USA's Refugee Program advocates for the rights of asylum-seekers in the United States, and for the humane and dignified treatment of refugees and migrants worldwide.

One action you can take: Prevent unjust deportation of man to Syria

Torture

In the years since 9/11, the U.S. government has repeatedly violated both international and domestic prohibitions on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment in the name of fighting terrorism. Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment must stop, and those responsible for authorizing and implementing it must be held accountable.

One action you can take: Sign the global petition to close Guantanamo & end illegal US detentions

We hope that you will join us this semester to work on these issues & that you will take the time to educate yourself.