Archive for October, 2007
Workshop: You, Me, Amnesty, Society & Diversity
Posted October 30th, 2007 by April | Amnesty News
“Building a Diverse Human Rights Movement” is an interactive workshop designed to explore individual and group identities and its relevancy and impact to building an effective human rights movement. Participants will engage in examining biases, personal and institutional assessments and cultural awareness activities in a respectful and safe environment. Ultimately, participants will be presented with tools to link AIUSA’s Multicultural Organizational Development (MCOD) Plan to their human rights work.
The MCOD training will be occurring at the 2007 Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference. Please click here to register.
Pennsylvania Legislative Action Opportunity: Monday, November 5
Posted October 30th, 2007 by April | Take Action
On November 5, 2007, thousands of individuals from more than 20 countries will be participating in the Global Day of Action on Cluster Bombs. Activists in Pennsylvania can play a critical role in the Global Day of Action. Amnesty International USA is asking activists from Pennsylvania to call Senator Specter to urge him to co-sponsor the Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act (S.594). This legislation seeks to prevent any U.S. funds from being spent to use or export cluster munitions unless the sub-munitions have a 1 percent or lower dud rate and will not be used in civilian-populated areas.
As a strong supporter of U.S. action to ban landmines and senior member of the U.S. Senate, Senator Specter’s co-sponsorship of S.594 would greatly help its chance of passing.
To participate in the Global Day of Action or for more information about the call-in day, please visit the Friends Committee on National Legislation.
Find out Amnesty’s concerns regarding the use and export of cluster munitions.
Philadelphia attorney fights for Abu Ghraib torture victims
Posted October 28th, 2007 by April | Amnesty News
The Inquirer’s website features a profile of Susan Burke, who has done some work pro bono on behalf of Abu Ghraib torture victims.
“PHILADELPHIA lawyer Susan Burke is an international heroine, though you’ve probably never heard of her.
She’s using her law degree – and her time, and her money – to seek justice in the courts for victims tortured at Abu Ghraib prison and slaughtered in the Blackwater shoot-out in Baghdad.
She left a partnership with a prominent Philadelphia law firm to pursue the pro bono work when it became a source of contention.”
– Read more: “Her quest? To fight for human rights,” philly.com, October 26 2007
Urgent Action files for October 23, 2007
Posted October 24th, 2007 by April | Take Action
AIUSA issued 5 Urgent Action files yesterday, on behalf of people in Brazil, Iran, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Tunisia. Current postage rates for a letter: within USA $.41, to Canada and Mexico $.69, all other countries $.90
Express Concern for Fear of Imminent Execution in Iran (UA 271/07) – Soghra Najafpour is currently believed to be in hiding. If she is taken into custody, she could face imminent execution for a murder committed when she may have been only 13 years old. Please send appeals by December 4.
Halt Fear for Safety for Indigenous Families in Brazil (UA 270/07) – Around 50 Guajajara families, in the remote Arraiboia reservation in the central west of Maranhao state, are at risk of attack from local gunmen allegedly contracted by illegal loggers. Please send appeals by December 4.
Protect 3 Unnamed Men from Torture in Saudi Arabia (UA 273/07) – AI has received reports that 2 men have been sentenced by a court in al-Baha in Saudi Arabia to 7,000 lashes each for sexual intercourse. A third man was said to have been sentenced to 450 lashes for drug related offenses by the same court. Please send appeals by December 5.
Stop Fear of Torture for 5 Men in Tunisia (UA 15/07) – Ousama Abbadi, Mohammed Amine Jaziri, Ramzi el Aifi, Oualid Layouni, & Mahdi Ben Elhaj Ali were allegedly tortured by the prison guards in Mornaguia Prison around 16 October. Some of them need urgent medical treatment. AI fears that may be subjected to further torture/other ill-treatment. Please send appeals by December 4.
Defend Journalists from Death Threats in Mexico (UA 260/07) – Journalists for El Imparcial del Istmo, a regional newspaper based in Oaxaca, have been receiving death threats, apparently as a result of the newspaper’s coverage of a drug-trafficking gang’s activities in the state. 3 of their colleagues were shot dead earlier this week. Please send appeals by November 22.
Peacemaker training in West Chester*
Posted October 23rd, 2007 by April | Other Human Rights News
Although this is not an Amnesty International event, it may be of use for Amnesty International activists.
The Chester County Peace Movement is bringing in expert trainer Dion Lermon for a 3-hour Peacemaker Training course – invaluable skills for keeping the peace in protests and other “crowd” situations.
Peacemaker Training
Trainer Dion Lerman
Tuesday, Nov. 27 – 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Pizza provided, $5 suggested donation to help defray cost, or what you can afford
Register in advance (to plan for pizza order)
The location has changed! Now at:
Birmingham Friends Meeting
1245 Birmingham Rd., West Chester 19382
Pre-register: e-mail ccpeacemovement@aol.com
Directions:
Going south on Route 202, make a right on 926-west
Drive over a mile to second stop light at Birmingham Rd.
Turn left on Birmingham, go 4/10 mile (past Birmingham Lafayette Cemetery)
It’s on left (plenty of parking)
OR, from West Chester Borough, you can go south on South New St., right at light on 926-west to next light at Birmingham Rd., turn left, go 4/10 mile (past Birmingham Lafayette Cemetery) – it’s on left.
Last day to reserve a room for the Regional Conference at a reduced rate
Posted October 23rd, 2007 by April | Mid-Atlantic Region
October 25 is the last day to reserve a room at the special Amnesty International rate for the Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference.
The Best Western is offering Amnesty International conference attendees a special room rate of $99 for a single or double OR $109 for a triple or quad, plus local taxes and fees. Conference attendees must make their own reservations directly with the hotel at 1-800-633-9511. Be sure to mention “Amnesty International USA” to obtain this special group rate.
Best Western Hotel and Conference Center
5625 ODonnell Street
Baltimore, MD 21224
1-800-633-9511
Ask Senator Specter to help pass the Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act
Posted October 23rd, 2007 by April | Take Action
On November 5, 2007, thousands of individuals from more than 20 countries will be participating in the Global Day of Action on Cluster Bombs. Amnesty International USA is asking activists from Pennsylvania to call Senator Specter to urge him to co-sponsor the Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act (S.594). This legislation seeks to prevent any U.S. funds from being spent to use or export cluster munitions unless the sub-munitions have a 1 percent or lower dud rate and will not be used in civilian-populated areas.
As a strong supporter of U.S. action to ban landmines and senior member of the U.S. Senate, Senator Specter’s co-sponsorship of S.594 would greatly help its chance of passing.
To participate in the Global Day of Action or for more information about the call-in day, please visit the Friends Committee on National Legislation.
Phone Numbers
- You can reach the Capitol Switchboard by calling FCNL’s special toll-free number: (800) 352-1897 You must then ask for Senator Specter by name.
- Or, call one of Senator Specter’s local offices:
- Philadelphia: (215) 597-7200
- Allentown: (610) 434-1444
- Other office locations
Find out Amnesty’s concerns regarding the use and export of cluster munitions.
UPDATE: If you’d like to send a letter as well, the Bethlehem group has drafted this sample letter: Specter Letter – Cluster Munitions (Word format)
Virginia Stayed their 99th Execution
Posted October 23rd, 2007 by April | Amnesty News
A Virginia death row inmate received a stay of execution from the Supreme Court on Wednesday, October 17th, just hours before he was to be put to death. Last month the Supreme Court agreed to decide a challenge to the lethal injection method.
For more information about the case, click here for an article:
Supreme Court Grants Stay of Execution for Virginia Man (The New York Times, October 18 2007)
Action files for October 22, 2007
Posted October 23rd, 2007 by April | Take Action
AIUSA issued 2 new actions yesterday:
Save Kurdish Family in Turkey from Forcible Return to Iraq (UA 269/07) – The Turkish Authorities are preparing to forcibly return an Iranian-Kurdish family, who are recognized refugees, to Iraq, where their lives would be in danger. Please send appeals by December 3, 2007.
Stop Employment Discrimination – Call your Representative today to support a fully inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), H.R. 2015–a federal bill that would make it illegal to fire, refuse to hire or promote someone simply on the basis of the person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The vote is today – call now!
Agenda: Group 112 Monthly Meeting October 25, 2007
Posted October 23rd, 2007 by April | Amnesty News, Philly Center City
Group 112 Monthly Meeting
October 25, 2007
AGENDA
- Mission Statement & Introductions
- Business
- Discussion of November and December Meeting Times
- Tabling Event for December 10—Leslie & Kevin
- Darfur Now Advance Screenings
- Treasurer’s Report—Joe Burke
- Archivist’s Report—Erica Vendetti
- Other Issues of Interest to Group Members
- Letter Writing
- Iraqi Kurdistan POCs: David Loeb
- Indonesia Special Focus Case: Joe Burke
- Maldives POCs: Joe Burke
- Other Letters