Amnesty’s Online Community Action ISSUE 5

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Take Action Universal Declaration of Human Rights 60th anniversary 10 December 2008 marks the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights The month of June is dedicated to highlighting Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that states everyone has the right to be free from torture and other ill-treatment. The organization has documented torture for decades, but governments’ actions in recent years have challenged the validity of the prohibition itself, particularly in the context of counter terrorism. Government responses to the attacks of 11 September 2001, and attacks in other countries since then, have amounted to a serious assault on the framework of human rights. They have not only used torture, they have sought to justify it in the name of security. Torture is a crime that cannot be justified under any circumstances.  Governments must bring to justice those responsible for authorising and inflicting it. The conditions which allow it to flourish, particularly illegal detention, must be brought to an end. More… What you can do: Take action now to end illegal US detentions Petition page on Facebook: We need you! If you are on Facebook, please become a fan of the petition page and share the link with other Facebookers.  Feel free to post images or videos, write on the wall and open discussion topics.

Information Update Riga Pride – 31 May 2008 LGBT people in Latvia continue to face discrimination and homophobia on a daily basis. Their struggle for acceptance and realization of their human rights has just started. Thus, it is imperative that Amnesty Interanational continues to support their efforts to be able to fully enjoy their rights. In 2007, a LGBT Pride march was allowed to go ahead. Approximately 400 people participated, of whom around 70 were from Amnesty International. More… On 31 May 2008, around 100 AI activists from 30 countries participated in Riga Pride 2008 in solidarity with Mozaika, the Latvian LGBT rights organization, who are fighting for increased human rights for LGBT people in Latvia. The participating sections and structures included AI Australia, AI Turkey, AI Faroe Islands, AI Moldova, AI Denmark and AI USA. The march went very well and we did not let the counter-protesters rain on our parade. Thank you to all sections and structures who were involved and helped make it such a successful event! Click here to see the Riga Pride Video You can also see videos and photos on the Riga Pride Facebook group, available at Facebook Group: Riga Pride 2008 – Amnesty International and Mozaika Please encourage your networks to comment on the video and the blog

Have your say Under the Statute, every 6 years Amnesty International creates an Integrated Strategic Plan (ISP).  The ISP guides the work, research and policies of Amnesty International. In preparation for the next Integrated Strategic Plan 2010-2016, Amnesty International has launched the first survey in a series of consultations.  The survey is a chance for the general public and members of Amnesty International to have their say on the future direction of the organization. We strongly encourage you to complete the survey; as it will be the first time International Members will participate in influencing Amnesty International’s future human rights work. Watch this space for future opportunities to participate and have your say on the future of Amnesty International Have Your Say * Please state you are an International Member

Publications 28 May 2008. Launch of the 2008 Annual Report The State of the world’s human rights.

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