USA

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." - Martin Luther King Jr.

A Threat to Justice: Widespread and Persistent Human Rights Abuse in the United States of America

Overview Police Brutality Human Rights Violations on the US-Mexico Border Abuse of Prisoners Women in Detention Arbitary detention of asylum-seekers Super-maximum security Death Penalty Racism and the death penalty International Context FAQ

Police brutality. Torture and degradation of prisoners. The execution of innocent people. Violations of basic human rights are taking place over and over again in the United States. Not because such violations are inevitable. And not because no one cares. But because federal and state officials still haven’t taken many of the basic steps necessary to stop the abuse.

The human rights movement is a struggle for justice for everyone, everywhere. Throughout the history of the US, the efforts of ordinary citizens have brought about profound advances in the recognition and protection of fundamental human rights. Just think of the achievements of the civil rights and women’s suffrage movements. But the struggle for justice in the US isn’t over.

In a 1999 report called Rights for All, Amnesty International documents the shocking scope of contemporary human rights violations in the US and outlines the basic reforms that are needed to protect the vulnerable and bring the perpetrators of abuse to justice.These reforms include monitoring excessive use of force by police, limiting the use of inherently dangerous restraint devices and techniques, and prohibiting the execution of children and juvenile offenders. Concerned citizens in the US have called for the broadest possible mobilization of individuals, groups and community organizations to get these reforms on the political agenda.

As Canadians, our lives are deeply entwined with those of our neighbours to the south. This means we have a special obligation to speak out. We also have the potential to make our voices heard when others are silenced.

On this web site, you can learn more about the issues and Amnesty International’s ongoing efforts to confront human rights abuses wherever they take place - even in our own backyards. By carrying out some of the suggested actions highlighted on these pages you can make your voice heard for justice - for everyone, everywhere.

Good neighbours do speak out.

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