Below you’ll find breaking news as well as reports, updates on our campaigns, and victories.
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Press Release
As COVID-19 spreads in South Asia, fears rise for people at higher risk
As cases of COVID-19 escalate in South Asia, one of the world’s poorest and most populous regions, Amnesty International calls on the authorities there to put human rights at the heart of their responses and intensify efforts to protect marginalized and vulnerable groups at higher risk, including daily wage earners, people displaced by conflict, health workers and prisoners. The COVID-19 pandemic is poised to break into thousands of cases in South Asia as more governments across the region this week imposed strict lockdowns and curfews amid fears the virus will strike densely populated areas, overwhelming woefully inadequate healthcare facilities and…
March 26, 2020
Press Release
Pompeo’s Remarks on the International Criminal Court Are Callous and Punitive
Responding to the United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s remarks during a news conference at the State Department, Amnesty International USA’s advocacy director, Daniel Balson, said: “Threats against family members of ICC staff who are seeking justice is a new low, even for this administration. Instead of pursuing the torturers, the U.S. is condemning the investigators, and even their families. No one should be exempt from accountability". “To refer to the International Criminal Court, a body which for years has worked on addressing the most heinous of crimes, including genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, as an embarrassment is…
March 18, 2020
Press Release
ICC Authorizes Historic Investigation in Afghanistan
Responding to the International Criminal Court’s decision to open an investigation into international crimes in Afghanistan, Amnesty International’s Head of International Justice, Solomon Sacco, said: "This is a historic moment where the International Criminal Court has reversed a terrible mistake and decided to stand by the victims of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by all sides to the conflict in Afghanistan.
March 5, 2020
Press Release
Amnesty International USA Mourns the Tragic Killing of Anil Raj, Calls for Afghan Government to Seek Justice
The following statement was issued today by Board of Directors Chair of Amnesty International USA, Janet Lord: "Amnesty International USA mourns the killing of Anil Raj and sends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, and his brave colleagues. Anil served as a country specialist for Amnesty International USA from 2007-2010 and was a member of the Board of Directors from 2010-2011. Anil is remembered as a bright and creative individual, who always brought innovation to his work and warmth to his relationships. "The way that Anil's life was cut tragically short underscores the grave dangers that human rights workers…
November 27, 2019
Press Release
Shocking disregard for civilians as U.S. drone strike in Afghanistan adds to death toll
Responding to the reported killing of numerous farmers in a U.S. drone strike in Afghanistan, on the same day that 20 civilians were reportedly killed in a suicide bomb attack on a hospital, Amnesty International USA’s Security with Human Rights Director Daphne Eviatar said: “On yet another deadly day in Afghanistan, once again it is civilians who bear the brunt of the violence involving armed groups, the Afghan government and their backers in the U.S. military. “That a U.S. drone strike purportedly targeting IS militants could instead result in the deaths of scores of farmers is unacceptable and suggests a shocking disregard for…
September 19, 2019
Press Release
Killing of Afghani Human Rights Defender Is A War Crime
Responding to the news that Abdul Samad Amiri, the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission’s acting director in Ghor province, was kidnapped and killed by the Taliban, Amnesty International’s South Asia Campaigner, Samira Hamidi, said:
September 5, 2019
Press Release
Human Rights Defenders in Afghanistan Under Attack From the Authorities and Armed Groups
Afghanistan’s human rights community is under intensifying attacks from both the authorities and armed groups as human rights defenders and activists face intimidation, harassment, threats and violence, Amnesty International said in a briefing released today.
August 29, 2019
Press Release
Taliban bombings in Afghanistan chillingly disregard human life
The Taliban’s killing of civilians through a continuous spate of bombings demonstrates the armed group’s chilling disregard for human lives, Amnesty International said today.
July 9, 2019
Press Release
Trump Administration Attempts to Thwart International Criminal Court Investigators
Responding to reports that the U.S. will restrict visas for International Criminal Court personnel looking into the U.S. military personnel actions in Afghanistan, Daniel Balson, Advocacy Director at Amnesty International USA stated: “This announcement is the latest attack on international justice and international institutions by an administration hellbent on rolling back human rights protections. “While victims’ rights should be the very top priority of the United States government, throwing roadblocks in front of the ICC’s investigation undermines justice not only for abuses committed in Afghanistan, but also for the millions of victims and survivors throughout the world who have experienced…
March 15, 2019
Press Release
Trump Administration Makes Shameful Decision to Shroud Civilian Casualties in Secrecy
Reacting to news that the Trump administration has revoked a part of an Obama executive order requiring reporting on civilian casualties, Daphne Eviatar, Amnesty International USA's Director of Security with Human Rights stated: “This is a shameful decision that will shroud this administration’s actions in even more secrecy with little accountability for its victims. “The public deserves to know how many civilians are killed by U.S. actions. This is an unconscionable decision and in complete disregard of fundamental human rights. “It is incomprehensible that this vital work will be left only to human rights organizations such as ours.” Background In 2016, Amnesty International USA spoke out on the Obama-era policy…
March 6, 2019
Press Release
Deadly attacks on journalists in Afghanistan must be investigated
Responding to the attack on two journalists shot dead in Takhar province when gunmen entered a radio station and opened fire, Amnesty International’s South Asia Researcher, Zaman Sultani, said: “The attack on two journalists working in a radio station by unknown gunmen in Takhar province is a horrific crime. This attack once again highlights the risks journalists continue to face in Afghanistan for just doing their job. The Afghan authorities must ensure safety and protection for all so they can work freely and without fear. “The Afghan authorities must ensure thorough investigation and the perpetrators must be brought to justice…
February 6, 2019
Press Release
Afghanistan: Record high civilian casualties make returns unjustifiable
The international community cannot abandon the Afghan people who have fled conflict and violence at a time when civilian casualties continue at record highs, Amnesty International said today, calling on governments to halt forced returns to Afghanistan. According to UN figures just released, 1,692 people were killed in the first six months of 2018 – more than at any comparable period of time since records began being compiled a decade ago. Over that same period of time, 3,430 people were also injured. “Given the numbers of people who continue to be killed and injured in Afghanistan, it is unconscionable to…
July 16, 2018