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This picture taken on March 27, 2019 shows the Grindr app on a phone in Los Angeles. - A Chinese firm has been ordered by American national security officials to sell popular gay dating app Grindr, The Wall Street Journal reported on March 27. (Photo by Chris DELMAS / AFP) (Photo credit should read CHRIS DELMAS/AFP/Getty Images)

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

Rohingya refugees from Myanmar's Rakhine state arrive near the Khanchon border crossing near the Bangaldeshi town of Teknaf on Septebmer 5, 2017. Nearly 125,000 mostly Rohingya refugees have entered Bangladesh since a fresh upsurge of violence in Myanmar on August 25, the United Nations said September 5, as fears grow of a humanitarian crisis in the overstretched camps. The UN said 123,600 had crossed the border in the past 11 days from Myanmar's violence-wracked Rakhine state. / AFP PHOTO / K M Asad (Photo credit should read K M ASAD/AFP/Getty Images)

Sheet of paper 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

MSF supported hospital bombed by the Saudi Arabia-led coalition in Haydan in Sa'da. The small hospital, in the Haydan district in Saada Province, was hit by several airstrikes beginning at 22:30 last night. Hospital staff and two patients managed to escape before subsequent airstrikes occurred over a two hour period. One staff member was slightly injured while escaping. With the hospital destroyed, at least 200,000 people now have no access to lifesaving medical care.

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

Hundreds of thousands of Chinese gather on June 2, 1989 in Tiananmen Square around a 10-metre replica of the Statue of Liberty (C), called the Goddess of Democracy, demanding democracy despite martial law in Beijing. - Hundreds, possibly thousands, of protesters were killed by China's military on June 3 and 4, 1989, as communist leaders ordered an end to six weeks of unprecedented democracy protests in the heart of the Chinese capital. Dissidents and human rights advocates around the world will mark on June 4, 2009 the twentieth anniversary of China's bloody crackdown on the pro-democracy protests. (Photo by CATHERINE HENRIETTE / AFP) (Photo credit should read CATHERINE HENRIETTE/AFP/Getty Images)

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

©Getty Images

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

Syrian health sector workers hold banners during a rally in the village of Atmeh in the northern Idlib province, demanding that hospitals be protected in the case of an upcoming offensive, on September 16, 2018. - The Syrian regime and its Russian ally are threatening an offensive to retake the northwestern province of Idlib, Syria's last rebel bastion. (Photo by OMAR HAJ KADOUR / AFP) (Photo credit should read OMAR HAJ KADOUR/AFP/Getty Images)

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