Below is an index of features from November 2006
UN Committee rejects strong Declaration to protect Indigenous Peoples
Posted: 29 November 2006
Amnesty International deplores the decision of the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly not to adopt the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Successful efforts to block adoption of this landmark Declaration were led by Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States of America, Botswana and Namibia. In a procedural move Namibia introduced an amendment to defer adoption of the text to "allow time for further consultation". The draft Declaration is the product of more than 20 years of deliberations. It has been endorsed by the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Peoples and has already been adopted by the UN Human Rights Council. The Declaration fills an important gap in the protection of human rights. The text adopted by the Human Rights Council represents the best that might reasonably be achieved and must not be weakened ... Backgrounder | The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
29 November: International Women Human Rights Defenders Day
Posted: 29 November 2006
Around the world, November 29th is designated International Women Human Rights Defenders Day. It is an occasion to celebrate the many contributions of women who defend human rights, including women’s rights. It is also an occasion for action in support of women human rights defenders who are in danger. To mark November 29, Amnesty International invites you to write appeals on behalf of courageous defenders working with the Popular Women’s Organization in Colombia ... Take Action
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based violence: 16 Shelters for 16 Days
Posted: 27 November 2006
Domestic violence happens everywhere. It affects someone near you. Get active against domestic violence ... Find out more and Take Action!
Alex Neve joins AI mission in Chad to find out more about cross-border attacks taking place on civilians
Updated: 27 November 2006
Mission delegates will be interviewing displaced people in the region about the general humanitarian situation in Eastern Chad. They will assess the steps being taken by the Chadian government and the international community in relation to the attacks, and will meet with government officials and other human rights and non-governmental organizations to bring them up-to-date on the situation in Chad. The mission will continue until the end of the month ... Alex's reports from the region: November 30: The final post
Universal Children's Day
20 November 2006
November 20th marks the anniversary of the adoption by the UN of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. It's an opportunity to focus on the human rights abuses against children worldwide. Take a moment to take action ... Take Action: Democratic Republic of the Congo- Child Soldiers | Russian Federation - Optional Protocol | Iran - Death Penalty
Greeting Cards Campaign 2006
16 November 2006
From now until January 31, Amnesty International asks supporters to send cards with messages of hope and solidarity to victims of human rights violations and those who defend them. People featured in the campaign include: prisoners of conscience, people under sentence of death, human rights defenders under threat because of their work, and others at risk. These cards offer hope and encouragement and can act as an effective way to bring about change. The impression their mail makes on police, prison staff or political authorities can help to keep them safe. Please send messages of goodwill, taking note of the recommendations for each individual case ... Find out more and get started!
UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Government efforts to block progress at odds with the Canadian public
10 November 2006
Over 70 percent of Canadians feel that the UN should do more to protect the human rights of Indigenous peoples worldwide. 12,000 people have signed Amnesty's petition in support of the Declaration. Add your voice ... Take Action | News Release | Poll Results | Photos of Drum Marathon
Amnesty International deplores death sentences in Saddam Hussein trial
6 November 2006
Amnesty International deplores the decision of the Supreme Iraqi Criminal Tribunal (SICT) to impose the death sentence on Saddam Hussein and twoof his seven co-accused after a trial which was deeply flawed and unfair. The former Iraqi dictator was sentenced November 5th in connection with the killing of 148 people from al-Dujail village after an attempt to assassinate him there in 1982. The trial, which began in October 2005 almost two years after Saddam Hussein was captured by US forces, ended last July. The verdict was originally due to be announced on 16 October but was delayed because the court said it needed more time to review testimony ... News Release
Canada: Give refugees the right to appeal - Support Bill C-280
2 November 2006
The Canadian refugee system does not allow refugees to appeal a negative decision from the Immigration and Refugee Board on the merits of the claim. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees have identified the lack of an appeal on the merits as a major flaw in the Canadian refugee system. A mistake can cost a refugee her life. A meaningful appeal can review and correct mistakes.
Bill C-280 is a private members bill which calls for the implementation of the Refugee Appeal Division. It will receive second reading in the House of Commons early in December. Contact your MP and ask for support for this bill ... Take Action
Two major international human rights awards celebrate the power of individual activism in the struggle for human dignity
1 November 2006
Amnesty International celebrates the power of principled leadership and individual activism with two major international human rights awards. In Johannesburg, Amnesty International bestowed upon Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela its most prestigious honour, the 2006 Ambassador of Conscience Award. At the same time, the Sydney Peace Foundation honoured Amnesty International's Secretary General Irene Khan with the Sydney Peace Prize for her "leadership as a courageous advocate of universal respect for human rights" and her "efforts to eliminate violence against women." ... News Release
Sign up for 'Write for Rights' on December 10th!
1 November 2006
In Canada and all around the world, thousands of people will gather on Human Rights Day, December 10th, to participate in Amnesty International's largest and most exciting letter writing event ... Find out more and get started!