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Across Brazil, many Indigenous peoples have gone into voluntary isolation, barricading access roads to protect their villages from the COVID-19 pandemic. As one Indigenous nurse recently told Amnesty International by telephone: “I explain the importance of not leaving our villages. We are over 400 people in this Indigenous territory. If one person gets COVID-19, it can contaminate us all.” 

Worries about the spread of the virus among Indigenous peoples have increased, as this week the first case among Brazil’s Indigenous peoples was confirmed: in Amazonas state, a 20-year-old Indigenous Kokama woman tested positive for the virus. 

The global climate strikes that saw millions of people marching in the streets in 2019 are going online in response to the need for physical distancing to prevent the spread of covid-19.

We encourage you to stay safe at home and join the climate strike online tomorrow, and every Friday until the end of April. To join the strike online here is what to do:

1.    Make a climate strike sign
2.    Take a photo of yourself holding the sign
3.    Post to your favourite social media channel with the hashtag #climatestrikeonline.

We would love it if you would also tag Amnesty Canada at @amnestynow so that we can see your posts.

Although we are physically distant at the moment, we are more united than ever. We may be stuck inside, but we can continue advocating for human rights. After all, a focus on human rights is crucial to fight the covid crisis in a fast and fair way, and the same applies to the climate crisis.

See you at the #climatestrikeonline!

Following today’s ministerial statement to overturn with immediate effect the ban on pregnant girls attending schools, Marta Colomer, Amnesty International’s Acting Deputy Regional Director for West and Central Africa said:

“Today we have cause to celebrate as thousands of pregnant girls across Sierra Leone will be allowed back into classes nationwide when schools reopen after COVID-19.

“This inherently discriminatory ban which was formalized for almost five years now has already deprived too many young women of their right to education, and the choice as to what future they want for themselves. It has now rightly been consigned to the history books.

The climate crisis is the greatest human rights challenge of our time.

That’s why Amnesty International is prioritizing advocacy and activism to support the vital efforts of grassroots movements, led by Indigenous peoples, seeking to protect a healthy environment for all.

The situation simply could not be more urgent – or more dangerous.

March and April provide important moments to raise our voices, build connections with others, and together press for action by decision makers:

Together with environment defenders in Canada and abroad, we’re developing a variety of ways to take action, starting on March 14 and continuing through April 22. 

Mark your calendars and join us to make an impact!

Revisit this page at the beginning of February to see our menu of issues and actions. Also watch for the dates of webinars, offering information and opportunities for discussion.

Thank you for planning to participate in this important activism.