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Colombia: Time to make the right choice for human rights
Colombia's new President, Álvaro Uribe Vélez, must not ignore his responsibility to make the human rights of all Colombians a priority. Amnesty International has expressed serious concern at a recent statement made in Congress by the Minister of the Interior to the effect that the Ministry's Office for Human Rights "should not exist". Colombia's worsening internal armed conflict affects virtually every part of the country and has taken the lives of more than 60,000 people since 1985 - currently around 20 people every day. Take action now and find out more...
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Defend the International Criminal Court
In recent months, the US has been approaching governments asking them to agree not to surrender US nationals accused of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes to the new International Criminal Court. In many cases, the US government is threatening to withdraw military assistance from countries that will not agree. Amnesty International has launched a worldwide petition in response. Take Action Now!
Arms export controls
A protest demonstration in East Timor, a prison cell in Saudi Arabia, a genocide in Rwanda: these are all happening in places where arms and security equipment sold by the UK have been used to commit human rights violations. The current arms export law is out of date, riddled with loopholes and allows the UK repression trade to continue. Encourage your MP to back a strong and just export control system.
Respect refugees
As one of the most prominent membership-based campaigning organisations in the 'refugee sector', Amnesty International’s members and supporters have a crucial role to play in pressing for a fair deal for asylum seekers. At the moment, the main focus for our campaigning activity is the Secure Borders, Safe Haven White Paper, which sets out the Government's proposals for a 'radical overhaul' of the UK’s asylum system.
Business
Our Business Group encourages companies to be aware of the human rights impact of their work and to use their legitimate influence to support human rights in the countries where they operate. We have recently co-published Business and Human Rights: A Geography of Risk with The Prince of Wales International Business Leaders Forum. The first study of its kind, it alerts business, consultancies and investors to the risk of being associated with human rights abuses.
Israel and the Occupied Territories Crisis
The situation in the Middle East has developed into a human rights crisis. Innocent Israeli and Palestinian lives are being lost on an appalling scale. Help us encourage the international community to bring pressure on both parties to end the current crisis.
The aftermath of 11 September
In the aftermath of 11 September, Amnesty International has called upon world leaders to ensure respect for human rights in the wake of 11 September. Justice, not revenge, must prevail. Act now.
Death Penalty
Amnesty International opposes the death penalty because it is a violation of two fundamental human rights: the right to life and the right not to be tortured or subject to any cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment. More information is available online.
Torture
Torture is banned by international agreement but is still a major problem in two-thirds of the world. Most victims are tortured not just for information but because of what they believe or who they are. And torture can happen to anyone. Act now.
Lobbying
Lobbying means trying to influence government policy by working with members of parliament. You can lobby your local political representative and encourage them to prioritise human rights issues. Take action now.
Worldwide appeals
Amnesty International’s current letter-writing actions are available online. They aim to help the victims of human rights violations, by appealing direct to the authorities. Every appeal counts. Take action now.
Urgent Action Network
Urgent Actions are a powerful and effective way to send urgent messages to government authorities on behalf of prisoners in imminent danger. Find out more about Urgent Actions online.
Individual Action Network
Individual Action packs are available to enable supporters to take action on a number of our current campaigns. The packs provide busy people with a simple way to do something effective to support human rights. Order your Individual Action pack online.
Local Groups
With more than 330 local groups across the UK, you can get together with AI members in your local area to help with specific campaigns, to help generate awareness of human rights locally and to help organise fundraising events. Find out more about local groups.
Outreach Networks
Outreach networks put their interests or professional skills to work for Amnesty International. By sharing information and taking joint actions, they maximise their effectiveness. Find out whether there is an outreach network for you.
Join us online
If you haven’t already, please consider joining Amnesty International or making a donation to support our work. You can do either online using a credit card or, if you prefer, you can use our print and post form. Your support could save lives.
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