Below you’ll find breaking news as well as reports, updates on our campaigns, and victories.
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Press Release
Former Sudan Child Soldier Emmanuel Jal to Speak Out on Global Arms Trade Treaty with Amnesty International Media Tour March 5-7 in New York and Washington, D.C.
Every minute, at least one person dies as a result of armed violence and conflict while the global arms trade remains unregulated. On March 5-7 – just weeks before crucial talks begin at the United Nations to negotiate an international arms trade treaty – Amnesty International will host a media tour in New York and Washington, D.C. with hip hop artist and humanitarian Emmanuel Jal, a former child soldier from South Sudan, who will speak out in support of the treaty.
February 26, 2013
Press Release
Human Rights, Religious, Security Organizations Urge President Obama to Help Close the Deal on an Effective Global Arms Trade Treaty
A coalition of 36 nongovernmental organizations pressed President Obama today to provide the support necessary to conclude an effective Arms Trade Treaty.
February 26, 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
Update
South Africa Gets Universal on Zimbabwe
This week however, it was announced that South African prosecutors will investigate the rape allegations and pursue the arrest and prosecution of any alleged perpetrators who enter South Africa.
February 26, 2013
Press Release
Oscar Nomination for Zero Dark Thirty Underscores Need to Release Senate Torture Report
Rachel Ward, U.S. program director for Amnesty International USA, issued the following the statement the day after the Oscars regarding Zero Dark Thirty's nomination
February 25, 2013
Update
An Open Letter to Secretary of State John Kerry: Know Before You Go
The human rights situation in Turkey is grave, Mr. Secretary. Kafkaesque trials result in long prison terms under Turkey’s bloated anti-terrorism statutes.
February 25, 2013
Update
Why Drone Death Courts are a Terrible Idea
Public thirst is growing for more information about the Obama administration’s death-by-drone program and what can be done to ensure US policies do not authorize unlawful killings— whether of a US citizen or anyone else.
February 25, 2013
Press Release
Authorities in Haiti Must Ensure Jean-Claude Duvalier Faces Court Hearing or Arrest Him
Former Haitian President Jean-Claude Duvalier must either face a court hearing over charges of human rights abuses or be arrested, Amnesty International said amid fears he may flee the country using a newly-granted diplomatic passport.
February 22, 2013
Press Release
Amnesty International Welcomes California State Assembly Hearing to Review Proposed Prison Reforms, but Needs More Changes
Amnesty International welcomes the California State Assembly Public Safety Committee hearing scheduled for February 25 as an opportunity to review the reforms proposed by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) for the Security Housing Units (SHUs) and to hear testimony from prison advocates, lawyers and family members. The organization hopes that the hearing will be a genuine chance for all stakeholders to positively influence the current reforms being proposed by CDCR.
February 22, 2013
Update
One Year Later, Raising Our Voices for Pussy Riot
On the 1-year anniversary of Pussy Riot's "punk prayer" performance that landed 2 members in jail, activists call on Russian authorities to respect free expression.
February 22, 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
Update
Maryland Death Penalty Repeal Pass First (And Biggest) Test
Maryland's death penalty repeal bill has passed the Senate committee where it has been bottled up in previous years; now it's moving to the floor!
February 21, 2013