Media advisories

On 1 June, Tunisia’s National Constituent Assembly (NCA) received the latest draft of the country’s Constitution and is expected to vote on it soon.

Amnesty International has reviewed the latest version amended following discussions among political parties and found that – while there are some improvements over the drafts circulated in August and December 2012 and April 2013 – the text still undermines tenets of international human rights law. It includes restrictions of some basic rights such as the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association and to freedom of movement, as well as providing insufficient guarantees for the independence of the judiciary and to protect against torture and other forms of ill-treatment.

If the entire draft Constitution is not approved by two thirds of the NCA, it will eventually be put to a national referendum.

Amnesty International has published an analysis of the latest draft and has experts available for comment.

The verdict in the genocide trial against former Guatemalan military ruler Efraín Ríos Montt is expected later today on Friday, 10 May.

He faces up to 75 years of imprisonment on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity for a series of massacres committed by the Guatemalan military in March 1982 till August 1983 in the area known as Ixil triangle. It was one of the bloodiest chapters in the country’s internal armed conflict, which lasted 36 years and resulted in the killings or disappearances of more than 200,000 people – many of them indigenous.

Sebastian Elgueta, Amnesty International’s researcher on Guatemala will be available over the weekend to comment on the verdict of this historic trial, the first to hold a Central American  former head of state to account for gross human rights violations.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact: Elizabeth Berton-Hunter, Media Relations, 416-363-9933 ext 332
 

Background Information:

An Amnesty International expert will be observing the hearing in the case against Haitian former President Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier on Thursday 21 February.

The hearing is to assess an appeal brought by victims of human rights violations against the decision of an investigative judge in January 2011 not to try Duvalier for crimes against humanity.

The court will hear evidence of Duvalier’s alleged responsibility for the widespread human rights violations that took place during his time in office, between 1971 and 1986 – including torture, disappearances and extrajudicial executions.

Duvalier returned to Haiti in January 2011 after 25 years in exile in France.

Béatrice Vaugrante is the director Amnesty International’s office in Canada (francophone branch) and has been closely following the proceedings surrounding Duvalier’s prosecution.

Vaugrante is available for interviews in French and English on: +1 514 814-2800.

Violent clashes between protesters and security forces have claimed at least 38 lives in Port Said.

Amnesty International researcher Diana Eltahawy is in Egypt and has collected testimony that points to the use of excessive force by the security forces as unrest continues.

She said: “It’s quite clear from the testimony I’ve gathered that security forces have been guilty of excessive force including the use of firearms when lives have not been directly in danger.

“The culture of impunity that has built up in Egypt over decades remains and we are calling for full, independent and thorough investigations to bring those who committed crimes to justice.”

Now back in Cairo, Diana Eltahawy is available for interview.

   Timeline of testimony gathered in Port Said by Amnesty International

An evening of dialogue with:

Robert Morales, lead negotiator Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group

Paul Joffe and Jennifer Preston, co-editors “Realizing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Triumph, Hope and Action”

Moderator: Craig Benjamin, Campaigner for the Human Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Amnesty International

An unprecedented push is being made to further intensify resource development in Canada. A federal legislative agenda undermines environmental oversight. And an extradordinary grassroots resurgence demands the recognition of the rights of Indigenous peoples.  This panel brings together experts and activists who have been deeply involved in the advancement of global recognition of the human rights of Indigenous peoples at the United Nations and the Inter-American system. They will lead a discussion of how these vital international standards can make a difference in the defense of Indigenous rights in Canada and the promotion of government accountability for environmental protection.

DATE:  Tuesday, January 29th, 7-9pm

WHERE: Cadboro Bay United Church 2625 Arbutus Rd, Victoria BC

A court in The Hague is today hearing a civil case filed against the oil company Shell by four farmers from the Niger Delta region of Nigeria and Friends of the Earth Netherlands. The plaintiffs allege that oil spills from Shell pipelines destroyed their livelihoods, and are demanding a proper clean up of the pollution and compensation.

Amnesty International has researched and reported on the devastating impact of oil pollution on human rights in the Niger Delta, including the rights to food, water, health and livelihood. Amnesty has highlighted how Shell, the main operator on-land, often does not respond to oil spills quickly or effectively, and fails properly to clean up pollution. People in the Niger Delta who are affected by pollution are often denied their right to an effective remedy.

On the eve of the 5th anniversary of the landmark United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, leaders of organizations respected for their defense of the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and Colombia will hold a press conference on Parliament Hill to call for urgently needed action.

WHO:  Luis Evelis Andrade, Chief Counsellor, National Indigenous Organization of Colombia
Anne Marie Sam, founder of First Nations Women Advocating Responsible Mining, Canada
Alex Neve, Secretary General, Amnesty International Canada
WHEN:  Wednesday, September 12th, 10 AM
WHERE:  Charles Lynch 130S Centre Block

September 13, 2012 marks five years since the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.  The Declaration recognizes the right of Indigenous Peoples to manage their own lands, territories and resources as part of the minimum standards necessary to ensure the “survival, dignity and well-being” of Indigenous peoples.