Student Activism

The recently released movie FAST FOOD NATION, which is based on the book and screenplay of Eric Schlosser, does more than simply provide a behind-the-scenes look at fast food restaurants within the United States. The film also chronicles the human rights violations and hardships that are faced by immigrant populations and fast food workers. The synopsis from the film's website states that: "Richard Linklater's FAST FOOD NATION traces the birth of an everyday, ordinary burger through a chain of riveting, interlocked human stories - from a hopeful, young immigrant couple who cross the border to work in a perilous meat-packing plant, to a teen clerk who dreams of life beyond the counter; to the corporate marketing whiz who is shocked to discover that his latest burger invention - "The Big One" - is literally full of manure." 

Amnesty has acknowledged FAST FOOD NATION as a film that will alert the public to the injustices that are occurring not only under the veil of the fast food industry but also in many other industries with large amounts of immigrant workers. Amnesty's ‘Human Rights Have No Borders' campaign examines inequalities among the rights of immigrants. The campaign pushes for "the right to education, the right to medical care, the right to fair employment and working conditions, and the right to housing services" for all people within the United States.  

Check out some clips from the movie then head over to Amnesty's website and view the photo gallery which chronicles human rights abuses at the U.S-Mexico border and visit Amnesty's Human Rights Without Borders campaign to learn more about immigrant issues ( and what you can do to help.

Later,

Veronica

Many women live with indescribable fear when walking out their front door each morning. Fears of being raped or becoming the victim of a violent crime plague their lives. Women are experiencing these fears in countries throughout the world. November 25 - December 10 are the 16 Days of SVAW or Amnesty's Stop Violence against Women Campaign. This campaign highlights the human rights violations that affect women from rape and torture in Darfur, to domestic violence in Russia, to human trafficking around the world. Here is an excerpt from the SVAW mission statement:

In 2004, Amnesty International launched its global Stop Violence Against Women Campaign to help break the silence around this scandal, stop the violence, and create a world where women and girls are afforded their basic human rights. Across the globe, Amnesty International members have united to work towards making women's human rights a reality; the campaign is intended as a contribution to the efforts of the women's rights movements around the world. With this campaign, Amnesty International will show that the right of women to be free from violence is integral to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As long as violence against women continues, the promise to humanity of the Universal Declaration cannot be fulfilled.

Throughout the campaign, we are calling on governments and armed groups to end impunity for violence against women during times of conflict and post-conflict. For some countries, we are demanding that governments abolish discriminatory laws and practices that perpetrate violence against women in the family and in the community. In others, we are calling for the adoption of new laws and policies to provide women protection from violence. We support women's human rights defenders, and we are urging governments to ratify the Treaty for the Rights of Women (CEDAW) and its protocol without reservations. In the US, we have worked in support of anti-violence legislation and other national initiatives to stop violence against women. We have worked to increase public awareness of violence against women as a global human rights issue and to contribute to efforts to challenge attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate violence against women.

It is extremely difficult to imagine what these women go through. I used to feel somewhat safe and felt that the United States escapes most of these injustices. However, after discovering that within the United States, a woman is raped every 6 minutes and one woman is battered every 15 seconds; I realize that violence against women is a universal problem that must be stopped immediately. The SVAW campaign has a lot of great actions that your campus or community group can use to bring more attention to this issue. There is also a PDF of the Stop Violence Against Women Activist Kit which provides groups with background information on several cases and gives actions that young activists like you can take to bring awareness to this important issue.

Later,

Veronica

I was totally offended when I found out about a potential new book by and TV interview with O.J. Simpson concerning how he would have killed his deceased ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson, if he had 'actually killed' her. I'm not here to debate whether O.J. is or is not innocent of Brown's murder. Ultimately, both projects make a mockery of a violent and deadly act against a woman. It shows extremely bad taste and a lack of sensitivity towards abused women and victims families from Simpson, from the book publishing company, and from the television network airing the interview.

Fortunately, the book publisher and the television network both canceled the two projects. The companies gave into public pressure, such as people describing their disgust on talk radio and blogs, book stores refusing to sell the book, and TV network affiliates refusing to air the interview.

What is still needed is continued campaigning to Stop Violence Against Women (for more info, see the SVAW page). A distasteful book and television event such as the above could only happen when a society is plagued with an accepted level of violence against women. For example, the United States has not ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women which establishes a minimum set of standards for combating discrimination against women.  Allowing for a degree of unchecked discrimination against women creates an atmosphere where violence against women can also go unchecked. For more info on the Convention, see the CEDAW page.

Organizing for women's rights and protection can help foster a society where distasteful publicity, which earns a profit from describing the abuse and murder of a woman, would not be accepted in the mass media. That is the type of society I would like to promote.

Peace,

Jihad *)

The votes are in and we have a winner for the National Week of Student Action (NWSA). This year's topic is Make Some Noise: Save Darfur. Over 1, 500 people voted to help choose this year's theme. During the NWSA thousands of youth activists will mobilize to raise awareness about the crisis in Darfur, Sudan and the unimaginable number of innocent civilians that have died as a result of the conflict. This is a chance for young activist to speak out on such an important issue.  

Although NWSA is held in the spring, the best time to register is NOW! Take a few minutes to fill out the NWSA registration form to secure materials for the event. With registration, your group will receive all the information and action kits necessary to have a successful action week. Thanks again for all who voted and stay tuned for more information on the National Week of Student Action. If you have any further questions or comments, please direct them to youth@aiusa.org.

Later,

Veronica 

Universal Children's Day, held on November 20^th, is a day to remember the importance of children's welfare throughout the world. It also celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child by the United Nations General Assembly in 1959 and the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Children in 1989. The preamble of the convention states:

"The preamble recalls the basic principles of the United Nations and specific provisions of certain relevant human rights treaties and proclamations. It reaffirms the fact that children, because of their vulnerability, need special care and protection, and it places special emphasis on the primary caring and protective responsibility of the family. It also reaffirms the need for legal and other protection of the child before and after birth, the importance of respect for cultural values of the child's community, and the vital role of international cooperation in securing children's rights."

Unfortunately, too often, children become the innocent victims of human rights abuses. From juvenile executions in Iran to children used as militia soldiers in civil conflicts, it is necessary to remember the importance of protecting children from these harms. Head over to Amnesty's website to read more about our Campaign for Children. Also take some time to familiarize yourself with the principles of the Convention on the Rights of Children and plan actions that highlight the goals of these principles.

Later,

Veronica

Amnesty International began in 1961 through letter-writings for appeals to stop human rights abuses around the world.  On May 28, 1961, British lawyer Peter Benenson published an article called "The Forgotten Prisoners" in The London Observer.  Benenson's article was in response to the arrest and seven-year sentence of two students in Lisbon, for toasting to freedom in a bar.  Benenson asked readers to write letters "to the Portuguese government demanding the students' release."  Benenson began to receive letters of support from people around the world.  Thousands of letters of appeal then arrived at prisons and work camps.  Less than a year later, Amnesty International began officially in seven countries with over 70 letter-writing groups. 

In the upcoming weeks and months, continue the letter-writing tradition to further human rights promotion around the world: write Holiday Cards to support these human rights defenders.  On December 10, in observance of Human Rights Day, sign up for and participate in a Write-A-Thon to "help free Prisoners of Conscience help free Prisoners of Conscience, stop violence against women and make powerful changes in the lives of individuals."

Nearly half of Amnesty International's membership is comprised of people ages 14-25. A major goal of Amnesty is to increase the activity of young activist and to provide new ways that young people can get involved with human rights work. In addition to our programs, we would also like to bring your attention to other organizations that are doing excellent work. While many of these organizations are not in any partnership with Amnesty International, they are great sources for young activist to turn to if they would like to be more involved.

I-to-I International Projects has been described as a mixture between a tour operator and volunteer agency. I-to-I provides individuals and groups with volunteer holidays and connects them with needy areas and people throughout the world. For a fee, the company connects volunteers with projects outside of the United States such as community work with AIDS orphans in Kenya, panda conservation in China, and community development work in Ecuador. Each volunteer project has its own webpage and brochure which offers more detailed information about the mission. There are many more ventures which I-to-I offers. Go to there website to read more and find out if this is right for you.

You may have already seen the white wrist bands for this next organization. The Make Poverty History campaign is a United Kingdom based program which was formed in 2005. The goal of Make Poverty History is to eliminate the huge gap between the world's riches and poorest citizens. MPH is a great source for more information about the Global Campaign Against Poverty and provides actions that you can add to your own group's agenda.

Another great source of information is Youth Noise. Exclusively targeting young people, Youth Noise encourages community involvement and critical thinking about important issues that face the world today. Youth Noise bolsters several causes from animal rights and corporate responsibility to homelessness and the media, offering a wide range for every interest. In addition to providing information, Youth Noise also gives young activists the chance to submit their own material and post a blog to the website. Explore the YN site and all they have to offer.

Once again, these organizations are not partnered with or backed by Amnesty International but they are credible sites for young people seeking more information. Check them out, as well as links on their websites to other though-provoking organizations. Leave a comment to discuss or spread the word about other human rights organizations.

Later,

Veronica

I was quit suprised while watching the Election Day results and all the following days of drama on the major news networks. Interspersed between newscoverage, I often saw the "Save Darfur" campaign commericals. I was like, "Wow!" That was a really great opportunity to bring attention to the mass public about what is going on in western Sudan. Millions of people watching the election results were gaining awareness about the tragedy happening in Darfur. But I began to wonder about candidates who were winning their elections. Are they aware of the Darfur crisis, or was ending the Darfur crisis even part of their campaign promises. That's when it became kinda worrisome for me. There is somuch to be done to help the situation, but I heard so little about Darfur from candidates in my region.  I hope the television campaign helps constiutents to hold their elected representatives responsible when the new Congress begins session in 2007.

We need to keep a focus on Darfur. With the major change in the House of Representatives and the Senate, there is great potential for the U.S. government to take more significant actions to end the Darfur crisis. We as student activist have much more to do to build awareness at the grassroots. Visit Amnesty's Crisis page to learn more about the Darfur crisis.

Also, Darfur is one of the issues that is up for vote for the 2007 National Week of Student Action. A NWSA focusing on Dafur would be a great way to increase community and political awareness and action. To learn more about the different issues and to vote, visit the NWSA website.

Peace,

Jihad *) 

Outlawed: Extraordinary Rendition, Torture, and Disappearances in the "War on Terror" is available for viewing at house parties, through Amnesty International's Denounce Torture initiative and as part of its America I Believe In Campaign.  It is a WITNESS produced film, along with AI and 12 other groups. 

The film reveals the stories of two men who suffered extraordinary rendition, torture and disappearances, by the U.S. Government in conjunction with other international governments. 

Outlawed is a revealing and informative film about the injustices these two men faced, and the effects the tortures have had on their lives and their families after their releases. 

Various measures by the U.S. Government have led to the practice of torture on suspected terrorists.  Most recently, on October 17, 2006, President Bush signed into law the Military Commissions Act.  The Act, said AI President Larry Cox, turned "bad policy into bad law"; it diminished the rule of law and protection against torture for detainees. 

This month, on November 13, 2006, will mark the fifth anniversary of President Bush's Military Order - signed on November 13, 2001.  Cox issued a statement regarding the upcoming anniversary:

"The president boldly asserted presidential powers that have now been rejected by the nation's highest court and led to failed policies regarding the detention and trial of suspected terrorists in U.S. custody.  The executive order attempted to give the president ultimate authority to make all decisions without regard to U.S. and international law and amounted to a presidential coronation.  President Bush granted himself the power to make the laws, execute the laws and try cases according to his will, with no outside review." 

Torture, extraordinary rendition, and disappearances should be prevented under the rule of law and the U.S. Government - The America I Believe In Leads the World in Human Rights.  Attend or host a house party and watch Outlawed; witness the effect that torture has had on the lives of these two men, and presumably hundreds or more of others. 

Nadine

"We were told to kill people by forcing them to stay in their homes while we burned them down. We even had to bury some alive. One day, my friends and I were forced by our commanders to kill a family, to cut up their bodies and to eat them ... My life is lost. I have nothing to live for. At night, I can no longer sleep. I keep thinking of those horrible things I have seen and done when I was a soldier."~ Kalami, 15 years of age, a six-year veteran of one of the armed groups in eastern DRC.

Children Should Not Become The Pawns Of War: Demand Justice, Rehabilitation, and a Better Future for Children in the DRC is one of four topics that students can vote on for the 2007 National Week of Student Action . 

Conflict began in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 1996. The DRC's government and armed groups were fighting for economic, political, and military control of the DRC's eastern region. "Much of the fighting has been for control of mineral and other economic resources."  The government army stopped recruiting child soldiers in 2003 but armed groups and the militia have continued to use children as part of their military strength. 

Tens of thousands of boys and girls have been recruited into these groups.  "From the beginning to the end of their military service, children are subjected to harrowing and dehumanising experiences, including beatings, rape, being forced into combat and to commit serious human rights abuses."

Tens of thousands of girls have been victims of armed groups using rape and other kinds of sexual violence as weapons of war. The spread of HIV/AIDS and the stigma victims face intensify the injustice to these children.

Children in the DRC should not face such gross human rights violations and should not be used as pawns of war. Justice should be given to the children. Suspected perpetrators of human rights violations against children should be tried in the International Criminal Court (ICC). "Amnesty International welcomes the indication by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to undertake preliminary investigations in the DRC."

Please learn more about human rights violation against children in war. 

Watch a flash video about child recruitment in the DRC.

AI Reports to learn more:

Democratic Republic of Congo - Addressing the present and building a future: A Memorandum to the DRC transitional government of national unity, armed groups and foreign governments involved in the DRC conflict, and the international community

Amnesty International Labels Recruitment of Child Soldiers War Crime, Says Demobilization Efforts Ineffective in DRC: Conscription of Children Continues Despite Armed Groups' Promises to the Contrary, Organization Warns

DRC: Children at war, creating hope for the future

Nadine

This week, we would like to bring your attention to voting topics for the National Week of Student Action (NWSA). Online voting is now available through Amnesty's website. There are four possible topics that will be the focus of NWSA, the fusion of student groups around the world for human rights awareness. One of the possible topics is the Denounce Torture campaign.

The ‘Ground Air Torture' campaign attempts to stop extraordinary rendition by the United States government. Extraordinary rendition is the forcible transfer of suspects to another country without any legal procedure or consultation. These countries are often known for their violence and torture tactics towards suspects. The America we believe in sets human rights standards and does not contract other countries to do its dirty work.  Learn more about the Ground Air Torture campaign here.

And to learn more about the other possible topics, head over to the National Week of Student Action site.

Later,

Veronica

Yes, yes I know. There are more important things that you could be doing rather than listening to celebrities talk about political issues. I'm also quite hesitant when I see a celebrity on TV taking about the latest (and consequently hippest) political movement of the moment. However, I would like to think of Amnesty International's Music for Human Rights as being extremely different. Music for Human Rights is the combination of musical artists that want to raise awareness about human rights abuses. Similar to activists like you and me, musicians understand the importance of combining efforts in order to receive results. Musicians are also able to use their celebrity status to bring more attention to these important human rights issues and to help mobilize young people to stand up themselves against these abuses.

One recent success story of Music for Human Rights includes Eritrean gospel singer Helen Berhane, who was released after being held for 2 and a half years without a charge or a trial. 

"Helen Berhane was among 2,000 detained members of banned evangelical churches in Eritrea, including her own Rema church, which has been subjected to sustained persecution by the Eritrean government in the last four years."

"She spent most of her detention in inhuman and degrading conditions inside a metal shipping container which was used as a prison cell. The authorities reportedly tortured her many times to make her recant her faith. In October 2006, she was admitted to hospital in Asmara as a result of new beatings. She was released in late October but is said to be confined to a wheelchair due to the injuries she sustained to her feet and legs. She refused to abandon her faith despite the threats and ill-treatment."

The campaign to free Berhane and other detained Eritreans was led by musical artist such as Gwen Stefani, Bright Eyes, Anti-Flag, Coldplay and many others that spoke out and called for the release of these prisoners of conscience. Read the full press release about the Eritrea detainees here. Also learn more about Music for Human Rights success stories. While a lot of the artist that take part in this campaign may not have much in common, they are partners in the human rights movement and want to join people, like you, to raise awareness about these issues.

Later,

Veronica

Diamonds are a girl's best friend. Let's face it, in today's world; diamonds can be everyone's best friend. From its glorification in music videos to romantic anniversary or engagement commercials, diamonds are everywhere in today's society. Unfortunately, diamonds are also a big issue in many African countries where the jewel industry does not hold the same glamorous notions.  In countries like Sierra Leone, Liberia, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, diamonds are continuously linked with violent human rights' abuses. In these countries, conflict diamonds are sold to fund corrupt leaders, warlords, and rebel groups who use the money from diamond sales to fund their armed conflicts within the country. Innocent civilians working in the rebel controlled mines and in the crossfire of the conflicts often pay the highest price.

More attention has been placed on the issue of conflict diamonds due to the upcoming movie Blood Diamonds directed by Edward Zwick and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Connelly, and Djimon Hounsou. While movies like this provide a great introduction and raise awareness about the issue with people that may not have known about the issue, it is also important to search for more background information on the diamond conflict in Africa. This Amnesty animation explains how the diamond trade helps to funds rebel groups in Sierra Leone. Also, head over to Amnesty's conflict diamonds webpage to learn more about this issue, steps you can take to help, and a buyer's guide. Because there is nothing wrong with buying diamonds, just make sure they are conflict free.

Later,

Veronica

In the past week, positive steps have been taken in regulation of international arms transfers, and the death penalty in China.

On October 26, 2006, the world's governments in the UN voted on an International Arms Trade Treaty (topic also blogged here).  139 countries voted yes, with the US being the one opposing vote.  The Treaty will aim to prevent the "immoral transfer" of international arms.  The transfers "fuel conflict, poverty and serious human rights violations."

"This massive vote to develop a global Arms Trade Treaty is an historic opportunity for governments to tackle the scourge of irresponsible and immoral arms transfers. Any credible Treaty must outlaw those transfers, which fuel the systematic murder, rape, torture and expulsion of thousands of people." ~ Kate Gilmore, Amnesty International's Executive Deputy Secretary General. 

China passed legislation that requires their Supreme Court to review and ratify all death penalty verdicts.  (I've asked and am not stealing my cube-neighbor's thunder over at the Death Penalty blog)  AI welcomes the news, but urges China to abolish the death penalty.  Potential outcomes of the legislation are uncertain: China's statistics on death penalty sentences and executions are classified. 

"Even with this reform, those facing the death penalty are unlikely to receive a fair trial in line with international human rights standards, Amnesty International fears. Trials in China are generally marked by a lack of prompt access to lawyers, lack of presumption of innocence, political interference in the judiciary and the failure to exclude evidence extracted under torture."

China is the world leader in its use of the death penalty.  It can be used in 68 crimes, including non-violent and economic crimes such as tax fraud. 

Other news: National Week of Student Action voting is in progress!

Nadine