Friday, July 31, 2009

Candlelight vigil for Aung San Suu Kyi delayed

The Candlelight Vigil for Aung San Suu Kyi scheduled for tonight has been delayed, due to a delay in her sentencing. So the vigil will be rescheduled after the sentencing has been carried out. This post will be followed by an update on our website shortly - so stay tuned.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Uyghur Community

Hello,

Show your support for the Uyghur Community by attending a protest organized by the East Turkistan Australia Association NSW. Inc

Where: Gather at Belmore Park (Eddy Ave Central Railway station) march component will be conducted upon Elizabeth Street in to the Hyde Park.

When: 12 pm - 5 pm, 2 August 2009

We hope all the supporters of Uyghur community in Sydney to participate our peaceful protest.

For more information about the event please follow the link below.

http://www.eastturkistan.org.au/en/event.htm

East Turkistan Australia Association NSW. Inc
http://www.eastturkistan.org.au/

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Face to Face Locations/ Week starting 27th of July

Monday: PETERSHAM, DOUBLE BAY, Lewisham

Tuesday:HURSTVILLE, AUBURN, Kingsgrove, Newtown, Forster

Wednesday: CANTERBURY, RYDE, Drummoyne, Forster, Lanyon

Thursday: ROSE BAY, ROZELLE, Abbotsford, Marrickville, Forster, Lanyon

Friday: POTTS POINT, MARRICKVILLE, Kensington, Forster, Lanyon

Saturday: HYDE PARK, Forster, Lanyon

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney

Hello,

Just wanted to let people in the Sydney area know about an upcoming event on Thursday 30th of June held by 'Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney'.

The event will be held at the Convention Centre Darling Harbour at 12pm.

It is not an Amnesty event, but they are asking for us to let our supporters be informed.

Details about the event are below and you can find out more information by contacting the people coordinating the event.

Thanks,

Courtney

On July 30, trade unions, Labor party branches, Labor delegates will be bringing flags and banners along to this public lobby to call for justice and real change.

We need all supporters of Aboriginal rights to join the mobilization to tell the Rudd government to stand up for Labor policy, for genuine self-determination; to support the communities, provide the funds, build the houses and stop the Intervention.

For more information contact the Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney

www.stoptheintervention.org
Mon 0415410558 or Paddy 0415800586

Supporters in the Coffs Harbour area


Coffs Harbour is privileged to host the News South Wales Committee of Amnesty International Australia and all local friends and members are welcome to come along and meet the committee members.


Saturday August 8th 2009
Cavanbah Centre
Harbour Drive
Coffs Harbour
11.30am – 2.30pm
Lunch provided

The business of the meeting will include:
An introduction to the Amnesty organisation
A review of the work and current campaigns of Amnesty International
Discussion of the role of local groups and the future of local groups


The NSW Branch Committee have come to our area to hear and discuss local issues as well as inform local people about the major work of Amnesty. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion

Please RSVP by Monday 3rd August for catering purposes
Jackie Lloyd 02 66561486 alanlloyd3@bigpond.com

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Deadline extended!

We are looking for Asia Youth Pacific Youth Network Ambassadors

Are you looking to take on leadership responsibilities with the Asia Pacific Youth Network?
Are you aged between 18-25years with 3-5 hours a week to commit to delivering an action plan? Are you interested in developing leadership, campaigning and mobilisation skills?
Do you enjoy working in teams and providing mutual support to team mates on projects?
Are you interested in mobilising other young people for social changeHave you access to the Internet?
Are you a member of APYN? Are you able to communicate in English (and of course, other languages?)

If all are Yes to the above, then you are the person who we are looking for.


For more information :
http://www.amnesty.org.au/jobs/comments/21293/

Email: anne_montague@amnesty.org.au

IRAQI WOMEN FACING EXECUTION

At least nine women under sentence of death in Iraq are now in imminent danger of execution, as Iraq’s Presidential Council has ratified their death sentences. Three other women have been executed since early June.

The authorities have transferred a number of women to the 5th section (al-Shu’ba al-Khamisa) of Baghdad's al-Kadhimiya Prison, which is where condemned prisoners are held immediately before they are executed. At least three women have been executed since early June.

TAKE ACTION NOW!
PLEASE WRITE IMMEDIATELY in English, Arabic or your own language:
-Expressing concern that at least three women have been executed since June, and that nine other women under sentence of death are now in imminent danger of execution;
-Urging the authorities to stop the executions of these women immediately, and commute their death sentences;
-Calling on the authorities to commute all death sentences and establish a moratorium on executions.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS BEFORE 1 SEPTEMBER 2009 via the Iraqi embassy, asking them to forward your appeals to:

President Jalal TalabaiSalutation (Your Excellency)
&
His Excellency Mr Ghanim Taha A AL-SHIBLI
Ambassador
Embassy of the Republic of Iraq
48 Culgoa Circuit O'Malley ACT 2606
Fax : (02) 6286 8744
Email : iraqembcnb@hotmail.com
Salutation: Your Excellency



For more information:
Rose Kulak, Individuals at Risk Program Coordinator
urgentaction@amnesty.org.au
Fax: 03 9412 0720

Face to Face location/Week starting 20 July

Monday : Paddington, Strathfield

Tuesday: Newtown, Rockdale, Haberfield

Wednesday : Petersham, Double Bay, Abbotsford

Thursday : Elizabeth Bay, Bankstown, Rozelle, Casula, Port Macquarie, Jesmond

Friday : Woolhara, Earlwood, Maroubra, Casula, Port Macquarie, Jesmond

Saturday: Edgecliff, Dulwich Hill, East Gardens, Forster, Casula, Port Macqurie, Jesmond

Group 78 forcibly evicted in Cambodia

The latest news on the plight of Group 78 families in Cambodia is not good. In the early hours of this morning the remaining families were forcibly evicted.

Around 60 families remaining in the area known as Group 78, in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, had no choice but to accept inadequate compensation and dismantle their own homes rather than have them destroyed by force.
The authorities threatened to forcibly evict them on Friday 17 July, and they received information that up to 700 security forces had been mobilised for the eviction. Most of the families left on the day before the deadline.
Seven remaining families stayed in their homes, with human rights workers and journalists monitoring the situation. Before dawn on 17 July, at least 70 security forces, some armed with guns and electronic batons, moved in and blocked off the area. Dozens of hired workers dressed in red shirts demolished what was left of the already dismantled houses.
Within hours, the resisting families had agreed to go. They were given until 3pm the same day to dismantle their houses and leave. The families have taken their belongings with them to find somewhere else to live.

This page has been created especially for you to keep you updated on what is happening and were the information sources are.
http://www.amnesty.org.au/iar/comments/21358/

Please do not use any Group 78 materials produced prior to today - Fri 17 July.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

NSW Annual Student Conference 2009.

Saturday 12th of September, the Amnesty International NSW Action Centre will organize the annual Student Conference for those who want to gain a greater understanding of Human Rights and an introduction to the work of Amnesty International.

The event is open to students in years 11 and 12 as well as University students.

This year, the focus will be on the new Demand Dignity campaign with both an international and an Australian perspective.
Protecting the rights of those living in poverty is not just an option – it is an essential piece of any solution.

The conference will explore what DIGNITY means and how we can campaign for the billions of children, women and men facing levels of poverty that undermines their basic human rights and their ability to live with dignity.

FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN TAKE ACTION! And join us for a program of dialogue, discussion, and informative, action-based workshops.

Guest Speaker (expose the global goals and issue of the campaign) and Actives Workshops (Amnesty Crisis response Work/Online activism/Guerrilla, creative Campaigning …) are the basic elements of the day but he program will be specified later on.

We are currently asking for expressions of interest in this event scheduled for the 12th of September 2009.

The Registration Fee will be approximately 15$ (Conference pack and food included)
People living outside of Sydney may be eligible for financial assistance to attend the event.

For more information or to register:
E: nswaia@amnesty.org.au

Understanding International Law and Human Rights Seminar

Reminder for the Seminar "Understanding International Law and Human Rights"
!!Come and see what International Law is about and how it applies!!
No prior knowledge necessary
First session 5th of August: Introduction to International Law
from 6.30 to 8pm
$10/$5 (student)
At Amnesty International Australia, Level 1, Myrtle st. 79, Chippendale, NSW
We look foward to seing you

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Campaigning for Individuals at Risk – what can you do?

This is a posting on the AIA website about how to get involved with the IAR Program. It will be update it as needed so it's a one-stop-point for such information.

It gives individual supporters and action groups three ways each to get involved in campaigning for IARs.

You want to do something for people whose human rights have been violated, but you're not quite sure how? http://www.amnesty.org.au/iar/comments/21302/

Understanding International Law and Human Rights/Seminar series 2009

In August & September 2009, Amnesty International Australia’s NSW will hold an introductory course for anyone who’s ever been curious about what International Law is, who it applies to, and how it’s enforced.
No prior knowledge is necessary.
Program:
5th August Introduction to International Law
12th August International Institutions
19th August Introduction to International Human Rights
26th August Human Rights Treaties
2nd September Enforcement of International Law
9th September The Role of NGOs in Global Civil Society

Where and When?
Amnesty International Australia
Level 1, 79 Myrtle St,
Chippendale
6.30-8pm Wednesdays

$10/$5 per seminar
$50/$25 for the course of six
*Booking in advance may be required due to high demand
*Payment in cash on the night

Contact Us:
e: nswaia@amnesty.org.au
p: 02 8396 7670

Monday, July 13, 2009

On leave

Ruby Johnson, the NSW Community Campaigner is on leave from 13th July to 30th of July.

For any information, feel free to contact Courtney Payne, the new Community Campaigns Assistant : courtney.payne@amnesty.org.au

Thank you.

New Call for the Unconditional Release of Aung San Suu Kyi

Amnesty International is again calling for the UN Security Council and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to intervene to secure Aung San Suu Kyi’s release from Burma’s Insein prison, following resumption of her trial last Friday 10th of July in Rangoon.
Aung San Suu Kyi is the leader of the Burmese opposition party and has been detained for 13 of the past 19 years, mostly under house arrest.
In March 2009, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention said the detention of Aung San Suu Kyi violated both international law and Burma’s domestic legislation.
Almost 10,000 Amnesty International supporters in Australia have taken action so far, calling on ASEAN to intervene on behalf of Aung San Suu Kyi.

Amnesty International is also highlighting the plight of more than 2100 other political prisoners currently held in Burma’s jails.
“Conditions in Burma’s jails, including the notorious Insein prison where Aung San Suu Kyi has been held for weeks, are appalling. The health of prisoners is put at risk by the circumstances in which they are forced to live and political prisoners are also at risk of torture and other ill-treatment,” said Jenny Leong, spokesperson for Amnesty International Australia.

Just a few days before Aung San Suu Kyi’s 64th birthday in June, more than 100 former political prisoners from around the world added their names to a statement calling for her release and for the United Nations Security Council to establish a global arms embargo on Burma.

For further information, please contact Amnesty International’s Media and Public Affairs office Sydney: Jessica Baird/Media and Public Affairs Coordinator/02 8396 7622/0413 028 191

Face to Face Location/ Week Starting 13th of July

Monday: Five Dock, Elizabeth Bay

Tuesday: Kogarah, Woolhara, Toukley, Bay Village, Southerland, Lake Haven, Wollongong

Wednesday: Glebe, Petersham, The Entrance, Bay Village, Wollongong, Leichhardt, Lake Haven, Wollongong

Thursday: Granville, Marrickville, Gosford, Bay Village Broadway, Lake Haven, Wollongong

Friday: Leichhardt, Hurstville, Gosford, Bay village, Hurstville, Lake Haven, Wollongong

Saturday: Potts Point, Paddys Markets, Woy Woy, Bay Village, Lake Haven, Wollongong

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Jeanne Battello/ CC Intern




Hi

I am Jeanne, from the far away Kingdom of Belgium!

I am currently doing a Master of International Law-International Relations at UNSW. I wanted to be more implicated then sitting on a chair and listening to lecturers and that is the reason why I am glad to be part of the team Amnesty International Australia.

This is my first experience within such organization and I really think it will make a difference for me…but not only for me! Being involved in concrete actions and help to promote and spread Human Rights is the very first step to strengthen them.

Let’s GO campaigning!

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Understanding International Law and Human Rights/Seminar series 2009

In August & September 2009, Amnesty International Australia’s NSW will hold an introductory course for anyone who’s ever been curious about what International Law is, who it applies to, and how it’s enforced.
No prior knowledge is necessary.

Program:

5th August Introduction to International Law
12th August International Institutions
19th August Introduction to International Human Rights
26th August Human Rights Treaties
2nd September Enforcement of International Law
9th September The Role of NGOs in Global Civil Society


Where and When?
Amnesty International Australia
Level 1, 79 Myrtle St,
Chippendale

6.30-8pm Wednesdays


$10/$5 per seminar
$50/$25 for the course of six
Due to high demand payment in advance is required


Contact Us:
e: nswaia@amnesty.org.au
p: 02 8396 7670

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Face to face Location/ Week starting 6th of July

Monday: Edgecliff, Broadway, Neutral Bay, Forster

Tuesday: Liverpool, Lidcombe, Mosman, Tuncurry, Forster

Wednesday: Strathfield, Balmain, Cammeray, Taree, Forster

Thursday: Rockdale, Summer Hill, Epping, Wauchope, Forster

Friday: Double Bay, Bankstown, Chatswood, Port Macquarie, Forster

Saturday: Miranda, Earlwood, Wollongong, Port Macquarie, Forster

Monday, July 6, 2009

Next stage in the Human Righst Act Campaign

The National Human Rights Consultation Committee's public hearing was held from Wednesday 1st to Friday 3rd July at Parliament House in Canberra.

The public hearings allowed key commentators to present their views on the issues most important to human rights protection in Australia today. Each day dealt with a broad area relating to human rights protection in Australia, and was further broken down into sessions on specific topics. The hearings were attended by the Human Rights Act Campaign team and activists from the NSW region as well as Claire Mallinson – Amnesty International Australia National Director on the Friday session who spoke on behalf of Amnesty International.

Check out the public hearings blog that gives you the opportunity to read personal accounts from our team who attended the public hearings at Parliament House.

Thank you for those who took action in NSW and contributed to the campaign.

Tools for the Comfort Women Campaign

The 'Comfort Women' Campaign is the priority campaign over the next 6 weeks.

We are asking groups to have stalls/actions/events where they can get butterflies signed. As part of the campaign strategy groups are also encouraging all groups to send a letter to their local MP saying how many butterflies thet got signed and photogragh of them doing the activity.
Do not send the butterfly to your local MP - rather send them back to the NSW Action Centre.
If you need assistance in the drafting of the letter or information regarding your local MP or additional butterflies, please contact the NSW Community Campaigner on ruby_johnson@amnesty.org.au

We have also created a media release template to publicise events, please contact the NSW Community Campaigner surrounding support for media work for your event or activity.

you can make your own butterfly on-line at http://www.amnesty.org.au/comfort

NSW Catch up - TOMORROW - 7th July

The second Regional Catch-up for 2009 is TOMORROW!

What: The Regional Catch-up is an opportunity to find out what is going on in other groups and networks across NSW, be briefed on campaign developments, speak with members of office based teams, voice concerns and share campaigning wins.

Who: Group Conveners, Action Centre volunteers, key activists, and Branch Committee members.

When: Tuesday July 7th 2009, 6:30 - 8:00 Regional catch up

Where: On the phone OR at the Sydney Action Centre

To join us in person come to Level 1, 79 Myrtle St Chippendale (off Abercrombie St, between Broadway and Cleveland streets)

To join us by phone call (02) 9696 0695 - (pincode 3502)

For any questions please contact - ruby_johnson@amnesty.org.au or 0431 481 038

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Raphaelle Grojean/ CCIntern




Hi,
I’m the new ‘frenchie’ intern of the Community Campaign Team.
I travelled all around Australia for 8 months, and after discovering this huge continent and meeting people from everywhere, it is time for me to get involved and contribute to this worldwide movement of people campaigning to protect human rights!
I graduated in communication and this internship is my first experience in such an organisation.
I am so glad and enthusiastic to do it with AIA to act locally and to make the difference!

Meet the new Community Campaigns Assistant!


Hello!

I am Courtney and have just started in the role of Community Campaigns Assistant for AIA NSW.

I have recently returned to Australia after working in the area of youth development with the Mongolian Red Cross and am happy to be back in the warmth of Sydney and not experiencing -30 temperatures. Prior to my stint in Mongolia I worked and volunteered within the youth department of both the Australian and Tongan Red Cross - my roles involved youth engagement, training and generally creating opportunities for young people to be represented and involved with the Red Cross. Outside of community work I have also been involved in both commercial and community based arts projects and been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work with many talented professional artists and members of the community.

I am very excited to take up my new role with AIA within the community campaigns team and have the opportunity to support and work alongside members of the community who are involved with human rights campaigning.

Face to face location/ week starting 29th of June

Monday: Surry Hills, Kogarah, Nowra

Tuesday: Paddington, Parramatta, Nowra

Wednesday: Martin Place, Caringbah,Shellharbour

Thursday: Artarmon, North Sydney OTS, Port Kembla

Friday: Elizabeth + Goulburn, Chatswood, Wollongong