Below you’ll find breaking news as well as reports, updates on our campaigns, and victories.
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Press Release
Ban on gay dating app Grindr a blow for sexual rights and freedom in Lebanon
Responding to a decision by Lebanon’s Telecommunications Ministry to block access to the app, Grindr, which is mainly used by gay and trans men, Amnesty International’s Middle East Research Director Lynn Maalouf said: “The decision to ban Grindr in Lebanon is a deeply regressive step and a blow for the human rights of the local LGBTI community. As well as being a flagrant assault on the right to freedom of expression, this move will serve to entrench and legitimize homophobic views within the country. “No one should face discrimination or punishment for their sexual orientation. Instead of blocking apps used…
May 29, 2019
Report
“No one can protect us”: War crimes and abuses in Myanmar’s Rakhine State
Following a recent investigation in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, Amnesty International has gathered new evidence that the Myanmar military is committing war crimes and other human rights violations. The military operation is ongoing, raising the prospect of additional crimes being committed. The new report, “No one can protect us”: War crimes and abuses in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, details how the Myanmar military, also known as the Tatmadaw, have killed and injured civilians in indiscriminate attacks since January 2019. The Tatmadaw forces have also carried out extrajudicial executions, arbitrary arrests, torture and other ill-treatment, and enforced disappearances. The report examines the period of…
May 29, 2019
Press Release
Congress Must Not Allow Arms Transfers to Saudi Coalition
Responding to reports that President Trump will attempt to exploit loopholes to continue sending arms to Saudi Arabia and the UAE without Congressional approval, Philippe Nassif, the advocacy director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International USA said the following.
May 24, 2019
Press Release
We remember Tiananmen, the 30th anniversary of the pro-democracy protests
To commemorate the anniversary of the killings of pro-democracy protesters on Tiananmen Square on June 4, Amnesty International USA will be showcasing the issue of human rights in China with a series of events and outreach initiatives around Washington D.C. To date, there is no public remembrance in mainland China for the hundreds, if not thousands of people who were killed in and around Tiananmen Square. Senior Chinese Officials have defended the crackdown, claiming it was necessary to maintain the “social stability” needed for China’s rapid economic growth. The government’s brutal response to activists can be seen in how it…
May 23, 2019
Update
May 22, 2019 Human Rights on Capitol Hill (Late May Edition)
To view PDF version please click here Human Rights on Capitol Hill - late May Edition Human Rights on Capitol Hill published by Amnesty International USA May 22, 2019 In this edition of Human Rights on Capitol Hill: Pride Around the World- June marks Pride month, an international celebration of the LGBTQ community Taiwan- First in Asia: Parliament legalizes same-sex marriage China- Amnesty International documents plight of transgender individuals S.- Amnesty International USA continues fight for transgender woman seeking asylum S. Gun Violence Awareness Month- As the U.S. marks Gun Violence Awareness month this June, will the Senate finally pass legislation…
May 22, 2019
Press Release
Catastrophic failure as civilians ravaged by war violations 70 years after Geneva Conventions
The UN Security Council must mark the 70th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions this year by ending its catastrophic failure to protect millions of civilians around the world whose lives and livelihoods are routinely ravaged by violations of the laws of war, Amnesty International said today.
May 22, 2019
Update
May 21, 2019 AIUSA Statement Welcoming introduction of Ethan’s Law in the House to ensure safe storage of firearms and protect children
May 21, 2019 Amnesty International USA Welcomes Introduction of Ethan’s Law in the House of Representatives Amnesty International USA welcomes the introduction of “Ethan’s Law” by Representative Rosa DeLauro and urges Congress to pass the bill and encourage states to pass Child Access Prevention (CAP) laws requiring gun owners to secure firearms in their homes. Gun violence is a human rights issue and under international law the U.S. is obligated to undertake due diligence to protect the rights to life and to security of person and to prevent firearm violence by private actors and in the community by regulating the…
May 22, 2019
Update
Amnesty International USA Statement in Support of the Venezuela TPS Act of 2019 (H.R. 549) and the American Promise Act of 2019 (H.R. 2821)
For PDF, click here: 05.21.2019 Amnesty International Statement in Support of HR 549 and HR 2821 May 21, 2019 Amnesty International USA Statement in Support of the Venezuela TPS Act of 2019 (H.R. 549) and the American Promise Act of 2019 (H.R. 2821) On behalf of Amnesty International USA and our over two million members and supporters in the United States, we express our strong support for H.R. 549, which would grant Venezuelan nationals in the United States Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and for H.R. 2821, the American Promise Act of 2019, which would extend permanent protections for certain nationals…
May 21, 2019
Press Release
USA: Authorities must stop criminalizing humanitarian aid
The U.S. Department of Justice should immediately drop all criminal charges against humanitarian volunteer Dr. Scott Warren, and stop criminalizing humanitarian aid, Amnesty International said today.
May 21, 2019
Press Release
Statement Responding to Death of 16-Year-Old After Detention at Border
Responding to news reports of the death of a Guatemalan 16-year-old after being taken into custody of a Customs and Border Protection facility in El Paso, Ashley Houghton, tactical campaigns manager at Amnesty International USA, issued the following statement:
May 20, 2019
Press Release
Vermont Passes “Refugees Welcome” Resolution
The Vermont House of Representatives voted to approve a resolution declaring that refugees are welcome in their state. The unanimous vote occurred on May 15, 2019.
May 17, 2019
Press Release
Security Council must address crimes against humanity in Idlib, Syria
The Syrian government, supported by Russia, is carrying out a deliberate and systematic assault on hospitals and other medical facilities in Idlib and Hama, Amnesty International said today, as it shared harrowing new testimony from shattered medical workers in the region. With the UN Security Council (UNSC) set to discuss northwest Syria today Amnesty International urged action, calling for Russia to be pressured over the deliberate targeting of 15 hospitals in Idlib and Hama over the last three weeks. “Bombing hospitals carrying out their medical functions is a war crime. These latest attacks have eliminated vital lifelines for civilians in…
May 17, 2019