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.

If you are a member of the press, please reach out to [email protected]

Press Release

Holder Must Answer Tough Questions on Drones and Guantanamo

Zeke Johnson, director of Amnesty International USA’s Security with Human Rights campaign, issued the following statement in advance of U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder’s appearance in front of the U.S. Senate Judiciary committee.

March 4, 2013

Press Release

National Rifle Association Slammed for Deceptions in Opposing International Arms Trade Treaty

Weeks before crucial talks begin at the United Nations to finalize a global Arms Trade Treaty, Amnesty International will host an open media breakfast with hip hop artist and humanitarian Emmanuel Jal and Virginia Tech shooting survivor Colin Goddard.

March 4, 2013

Press Release

Russian Embassy Rejects Amnesty International’s Global Solidarity Map on First Anniversary of Pussy Riot’s Arrest

Amnesty International attempted to deliver the Free Pussy Riot World Map to the Russian Embassy in Washington, D.C. today. Russian officials refused to accept it.

March 4, 2013

Press Release

Despite Early Objections, Congress Passes Inclusive Violence Against Women Act

Amnesty International issued the following comments from Michelle Ringuette, chief of campaigns and programs, following the House vote on the Violence Against Women Act.

February 28, 2013

Press Release

Supporters Deliver 450,000 Petitions From Tutu’s Global Call to Free Nobel Laureate Liu Xiaobo

In a campaign led by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the International Committee for Liu Xiaobo, with the support of Amnesty International, hundreds of thousands of people around the world united on Wednesday in support of imprisoned Nobel laureate Liu Xiaobo and his wife Liu Xia.

February 27, 2013

Press Release

Crucial Voices Missing from House Hearing on Drones

Zeke Johnson, director of Amnesty International USA’s Security and Human Rights campaign, issued the following statement in response to today’s hearing held by the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee on the use of drones to target U.S. citizens overseas who are suspected of terror activities:

February 27, 2013

Press Release

Focus of Scheduled House Committee Drone Hearing Excludes Bulk of Those Impacted by Strikes

Zeke Johnson, director of Amnesty International USA's Security and Human Rights campaign, issued the following the statement in advance of the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee on the use of drones to target U.S. citizens overseas suspected of terror activities.

February 26, 2013

Press Release

Yemeni Authorities Must End Use of Lethal Force on Peaceful Protesters

Yemeni security forces have acted in violation of international human rights standards by opening fire on peaceful pro-secession protesters in the south Thursday, resulting in four deaths and dozens of injured, said Amnesty International. The rights group called for an immediate end to the use of force by Yemeni authorities against peaceful protesters and to respect their rights to freedom of expression and assembly.

February 21, 2013

Press Release

President Obama Must Back U.S. Adoption of Arms Trade Treaty

With two-thirds of the world's countries supporting a global Arms Trade Treaty, Amnesty International is rallying supporters to urge President Barack Obama to lead a life-saving effort to adopt the treaty when a second round of talks opens at the United Nations in March.

February 19, 2013

Press Release

Aamer Must Be Released Immediately Unless Charged and Fairly Tried

Amnesty International will present more than 50,000 petitions, addressed to President Barack Obama, to the White House and to the U.S. embassy in London on Thursday, February 14th, calling for Shaker Aamer, the last former U.K. resident held at Guantánamo Bay, to be released immediately unless he is to be charged and fairly tried in federal court.

February 11, 2013

Press Release

Papua New Guinea Must End ‘Sorcery’ Killings and Harassment

After the brutal murder of a woman accused of using witchcraft to kill a young boy, Amnesty International called on authorities in Papua New Guinea (PNG) to take urgent actions to prevent 'sorcery'-related killings.

February 8, 2013

Press Release

Transparency Not the End Goal; End Drone Kill List

In response to reports that President Barack Obama has decided to release further details about his administration's legal rationale for so-called "targeted killings" to Congress, Amnesty International USA's Zeke Johnson, Security with Human Rights Campaign Director, issued the following statement.

February 7, 2013