Newsroom

We put a human face on complex issues to hold governments accountable.

Below you’ll find breaking news as well as reports, updates on our campaigns, and victories.

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Press Release

Repression on the rise in Algeria as peaceful protesters face imprisonment

The Algerian authorities must end their relentless efforts to silence peaceful protesters, said Amnesty International ahead of the start of the trial tomorrow of four protesters from the southern city of Ouargla who are facing up to a year in prison for taking part in protests against unemployment in Algeria’s oil capital, Hassi Messaoud.

May 18, 2016

Update

IDAHOT 2016: LGBT Human Rights Around The World

Today, May 17, Amnesty International celebrates International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. This IDAHOT, Amnesty International condemns the ongoing discrimination, violence, and denial of fundamental human rights faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people around the world. Anti-LGBT violence remains an especially grave concern. Over the past year, forces from the armed group calling itself the Islamic State reportedly killed dozens of men in Iraq and Syria whom they alleged were gay by throwing them from the roofs of buildings. In Nigeria, independent NGOs cited over 200 cases across the country where people perceived to be LGBT…

May 17, 2016

Press Release

Kenya must investigate police crackdown against protesters

Yesterday’s brutal crackdown by Kenyan police against protesters must be urgently and impartially investigated, said Amnesty International.

May 17, 2016

Press Release

Mauritania: Anti-slavery activists released 

The release of two anti-slavery activists, Biram Ould Dah Ould Abeid and Brahim Bilal, who spent 20 months in jail is an enormous relief and welcome news for everyone who has been campaigning for this outcome.

May 17, 2016

Press Release

Authorities in India Must End Impunity for Attacks on Journalists

Indian authorities must bring to justice those behind the murder of a journalist shot dead last week in the state of Bihar. Journalists must be protected from threats and allowed to function in an unhindered manner, and their freedom of expression upheld.

May 17, 2016

Press Release

Deadly bomb attacks in Baghdad show disgraceful disregard for human life

Today’s multiple bombings in Baghdad, in which media agencies have reported the deaths of at least 63 people and injuries to at least 90 others, are the latest in a horrific spike in deadly attacks that have hit the country over the past week, Amnesty International said today.

May 17, 2016

Press Release

Political crisis in Brazil jeopardizes human rights agenda

Public statement by Amnesty International

May 17, 2016

Press Release

Spree of arbitrary arrests, disappearances and torture by Huthi forces to persecute opponents in Yemen

The Huthi armed group, supported by state security forces, has carried out a wave of arrests of its opponents, arbitrarily seizing critics at gunpoint and subjecting some to enforced disappearance as part of a chilling campaign to quash dissent in areas of Yemen under its control, said Amnesty International in a new report published today.

May 16, 2016

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Sheet of paper Report

Where is my father: Detention and disappearance in Huthi-controlled Yemen

The Huthi armed group, supported by state security forces, has carried out a wave of arrests of its opponents, arbitrarily seizing critics at gunpoint and subjecting some to enforced disappearance as part of a chilling campaign to quash dissent in areas of Yemen under its control, said Amnesty International in a new report published today.

May 16, 2016

Press Release

President Obama must call Viet Nam to release over 80 Prisoners of Conscience

When President Obama travels to Viet Nam this month, he must call for the immediate and unconditional release of over 80 prisoners of conscience imprisoned for their peaceful political activities, urged Amnesty International in advance of the visit.

May 16, 2016

Press Release

Amnesty International USA Joins Illinois Groups in Calling for Passage of Solitary Confinement Reform

Amnesty International USA has joined with local groups including Uptown People’s Law Center and Black and Pink in calling for the Illinois legislature to pass the Isolated Confinement Restriction Act before the end of the legislative session.

May 16, 2016

Update

Sri Lanka Poetry Competition: “And the winners are….!”

Last fall, I told you about “Silenced Shadows” - a poetry competition that Amnesty was launching in Sri Lanka on the theme of enforced disappearances. Sri Lanka has experienced at least 80,000 cases of enforced disappearances over the past 30 years.

May 15, 2016