Student Activism

...now everybody trying to chart." From the mouth of goddess Lauryn Hill truer words have never been spoken. "Now I don't mean to get you upset, but every cause has an effect," and what an effect that was made during the month of June towards uniting the voices of human rights.  

May was full of promises, but she didn't keep 'em quickly enough for some. The summer heat didn’t deter any cause during the last four weeks. June marked the 37th year of LGBT pride. It hosted the release of the Amnesty International’s Eyes on Darfur site and the Instant Karma cd, I’ve got mine hope you have gotten yours. June paid tribute to the “Children Rights Day” and the “World Refugee Day.” June rallied 2500 people from across the country to lobby congress to restore habeas corpus and it brought together the dopest hip hop artist around for a concert to “Shut it Down, and Denounce Torture!”

“Now I don’t mean to get you upset, but every cause has an effect.” Your one step, his one step, her three steps, his negative fifteen steps, their nine steps plus my two steps (no pun intended) gets us ONE step closer towards the mission of equality and the indiscriminative right to security.

Am I sounding like a broken record yet? Human rights. Have you tired from my verbiage? Human rights. Can a sane man be this passionate about any cause enough to devote his current being to keep you informed about human rights?

Only time will tell, but for the month of June I could never have spoken TOO many words.

-jon

REACT! Take your step. Get involved. Leave your comments and pleage your time to a human right cause.

Is Death Penalty the answer? When a person is sentenced to capital punishment does the state do the same he did: that is kill? Does the state have the right to kill? Does anyone have the right to take someone else's life?

Here are some facts about the death penalty. I hope you will find answers and form your own opinion and then decide if you want to take an action and help advocate for abolishing death penalty.

• The death penalty is not a deterrent. A September 2000 New York Times survey found that during the last 20 years, the homicide rate in states with the death penalty has been 48 to 101 percent higher than in states without the death penalty... more...
• The death penalty is racially biased.
• The death penalty claims innocent lives.
• The death penalty actually costs more.
• The death penalty disregards mental illness.
• The death penalty is arbitrary and unfair.

Read more

Hopefully you formed an opinion and you are ready to take action.

Click here to help Troy Davis, who was sentenced to death for the murder of Police Officer Mark Allen McPhail; a murder he maintains he did not commit. There was no physical evidence against him and the weapon used in the crime was never found. Since the trial most of the witnesses have recanted their testimony, many alleging they were pressured or coerced by police.

If you are interested read more on this case.

-Liana

In law habeas corpus (Latin: "you have the body") is the name of a legal action or writ by means of which detainees can seek relief from unlawful imprisonment. Habeas corpus writ has for centuries been an important instrument to safeguard individual freedom against arbitrary state action.

In other words, habeas corpus is a court order addressed to a prison official ordering that a prisoner be brought before the court so that the court can determine whether that person is serving a lawful sentence or should be released from custody. The prisoner or someone on his behalf may petition the court or an individual judge for a writ of habeas corpus.

Throughout the history habeas corpus has been suspended and restored. The Article One, Section 9 in US Constitution states: "The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it."

In October of 2006, the President signed the Military Commissions Act (MCA) into law, a bill that stripped Guantanamo detainees and others of fundamental human rights, including the right to habeas... more

This process is reversible, and you can help greatly. Here are a couple of things you can do:

Take action to restore HABEAS CORPUS:

Join a delegation

Click here to learn more about our June 26th Day of Action to Restore Law and Justice Rally and Lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill, in Washington, D.C.

For more information check: http://www.amnestyusa.org/

-Liana

In many countries June 20^th has marked different events and celebrations in different years, e.g.

• June 20^th, 1837 Queen Victoria succeeded the British throne
• June 20^th, 1877 Alexander Graham Bell installed world's first commercial telephone service in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
• June 20^th, 1991 German Parliament decided to move the capital from Bonn back to Berlin.

However, there is one event that unites people all over the world on June 20^th since 2001: WORLD REFUGEE DAY.

The World Refugee Day was established on June 20^th in 2000 by the United Nations General Assembly. It is a day to remember the plight of refugees around the world and to recognize the contributions of refugees in our communities.

Each year the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) selects a theme and coordinates events across the globe. This year the theme is "A New Home, A New Life".

Amnesty International USA is organizing different events on June 20^th through June 23^rd. 

Click here to see the list of greater events going on in your region.

Among other things, you can sign up and join the rally at the Don T. Hutto detention facility in Taylor, TX on June 23^rd. Activists from across the country will gather to protest the use of Hutto, a former prison, to detain migrants and asylum seekers, including families with children. To sign up, click here.

Join in, help refugees start a new life! Also, consider organizing a small event in your community. Every time you take a step, you make a difference for a refugee.

- Liana

Can you imagine a situation in which you have to move to another country? A situation where you have to leave behind everything that is dear to you? A situation where you will probably not see your friends or your home ever again? A situation where you will not go to the same school or play in the same yard, nor sleep in the same room ever again.... the list is endless. This is the hopelessness and despair of someone who has to flee his own country because it's not safe. You would be filled with sadness and bitterness only at the thought of this, wouldn't you? Well, this is only a tenth of what a refugee child feels. Being displaced and having to live in a different country without legal status is not only sad but also extremely hard.

Refugees are people who have to flee their countries because of human rights abuses or fear of abuse. They don't flee their country because they want to; they flee because they have to. It's simply too dangerous for them to stay in their country.

Here's another issue to think about. Imagine being imprisoned with criminal offenders, because you are seeking asylum. Think about refugee kids and their families waiting in jails while going through complex procedures of seeking asylum, after leaving their home, walking miles, sleeping on grounds... Frankly, I would be scared.

It's impossible for someone who is not refugee to fully understand the situation a refugee goes through. However, this doesn't stop you from helping and getting involved. June 20^th is the World Refugees Day, get involved and help out.

If you are ready to help them, here's what you can do. Click here, sign up, find out what going on in your region on June 20^th, World Refugee Day and join in.

Hi all,

Here are some things you can do for Instant Karma:

5) make sure you sign the global petition at http://instantkarma.org

 Check it out. Enjoy great music !!! And stay as active as always.

-Liana

Hey people,

Enjoying the summer holidays? Planning to travel? Wow, you have plans to travel to the US capital or spend a great day in DC? Didn't have a great reason to do that, huh?

Here's an awesome suggestion and a reason you can not resist.

Amnesty International, ACLU, and the Hip Hop Caucus have planned a stunning concert for you.

What?              "Shut It Down - Stop Torture" Hip Hop Concert

Where?            Washington, DC 9:30 Club

When?             June 19^th, 2007, doors open at 7:30 p.m.

Featuring: dear prez, Mystic, Hasan Salaam, Akir, Emoni Fela, Grime, Rico Pabon, J.Period, & Dj Chela

Sounds interesting? Well there is more to it than just a concert.

As you have noticed the concert is going to take place on June 19^th - Juneteenth. Does it remind you of some important date?

Exactly! Great knowledge!

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is an annual holiday that commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas. The holiday originated in Galveston, Texas in 1865 and has spread across the United States and beyond.

If you are interested in more information, continue reading on: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juneteenth

http://www.juneteenth.com/

Historically, slavery is synonymous with torture, probably because of the inhumane treatment people in slavery received. At the time there were no means to protect the slaves, as they were considered to be property and they were punished accordingly- with no regard to humanity. Torture was the norm not the exception.

On June 19^th, 2007 the ACLU, Amnesty International, and the Hip-Hop Caucus will SHUT IT DOWN and bring attention to slavery and torture throughout the world.

More information on http://www.hiphopforhabeas.org/

Join in and also take a look at http://www.amnestyusa.org/ and check out the events and actions you can take to stop the torture.

-Liana

Hey,

There's more EXCITING NEWS coming your way. I‘m sure you've followed AIUSA news and remember... I just felt I should remind you that the full album INSTANT KARMA: The Amnesty International Campaign To Save Darfur releases today. GREAT!!!

It features top-artists, including U2, Black Eyed Peas, Snow Patrol, R.E.M., Postal Service, Chistina Aguilera, Regina Spektor and more

You have been waiting for this event to happen for a long time, haven't you? Well then get moving!!! Don't you want to listen to the entire CD?  Also, see if you are the lucky one to get one of the signature series T-shirts, specially designed by Green Day, one of the amazing artists with the Instant Karma campaign to save Darfur. Remember that the T-shirts are limited edition, so you really need to be quick, especially since you know the campaign is for a good cause. And you've put in a lot of effort for the same cause: TO SAFE DARFUR.

Well, I won't keep you any longer. By now I am sure you are eager to get the CD.

Check http://www.amnestyusa.org/ for more information. There is an option for you to donate and get a free CD. 

Visit also http://www.instantkarma.org/

-Liana

Tell me, what should the normal 15 year old be worrying about? Driving permits? Getting good grades in high school? How about the nagging boss at your after school job? Sounds reasonable no? These are the normal worries of a sophomoric 15 year old. What about being tortured? Is this a valid worry of a teenager who is two years removed from the earlier life movement of preteen? You tell me.

I direct your attention to a Mr. Mohammed el Gharani. A young man not so different from the average 15 year old, was born and brought up in Saudi Arabia. Shortly after the September 11^th 2001 attacks Mohammed moved to Pakistan to study English and gain IT skills.

In October 2001, 15 year old Mohanmmed el Gharani was more interested in his religion than say a current crush. While praying in a mosque in Karachi, Pakistan Mohammed was arrested when the mosque was raided by the police. After his arrest, Mohammed was first taken to a prison in Pakistan where he reports abuses such as being hung by his wrists naked with his feet barely touching the floor for up to 16 hours a day, as well as being forced to drink lots of water and not having the ability to urinate.

He was eventually handed over to US custody, at which point he says he was put in blue overalls, hooded, shackled, beaten and threatened with death. He was taken by helicopter to Kandahar, Afghanistan where he reports that he was stripped naked and repeatedly beaten.

Torture is running ramped in and outside of the US and with consent of our government. Daily the argument is made that if one 15 year old needs to be tortured in order to save hundreds, then torture is justifiable; it is not. This is a selfish point of view that makes claim that one person's life is worth more than another. The Declaration of Human Rights(Article 3) declares "EVERYONE has the right to life, liberty and security of person." This includes everyone...not just you.

There are more efficient ways of gathering intelligence, wake up.

-jon perry

REACT! Denounce Torture June 26^th is the International Day of Survivors of Torture. Tell us your opinion of the efficiency of torture. Do your research and form your own opinion, leave a comment and start a discussion.   

Hi everyone,

I hurried to my desk this morning, ‘cause I had exciting news to share with you all. I hope that once you read about this project, you will tell your friends about it. Moreover, I believe you will want to take a close look at it and be as active as always. As always the call is TAKE ACTION. REACT to things that you believe are unfair.

By now I am sure you are eager to learn what made me so excited. Well, I'm sure all of you are aware of the Darfur Campaign. The Eyes on Darfur website launches today. Check it out on http://www.eyesondarfur.org/  

There is a lot to see, as you visit the webpage:

• Explore the satellite evidence and read details about each destroyed village
• Help monitor villages at high risk and protect them from further attacks
• Gain more information on Darfur Crisis.
• And the last, but not the least: Take action.

To do so visit Take Action on http://www.eyesondarfur.org/

Hi guys,

Amnesty International USA just recently came out with a report on the sexual violence against indigenous women in the USA. The violence against indigenous women is widespread and brutal. Native American and Alaska Native Women are 2.5 times more likely to be raped or sexually assaulted than other women here in the US. The government has under-funded law enforcement agencies which should be protecting Indigenous women from sexual violence.

Here's a step you can make to help indigenous women of the USA in their action against violence!

The best way to make a difference is by personally writing a letter to your local representative. Let your friends know about this action.

Please visit http://www.amnestyusa.org/ for a sample letter.

-Liana

What makes you different than me? What makes she different than he? How does it differ from that and what is that that makes them believe that you don't deserve the same equal protection from the law as I do? You've got me. Logic and common sense would lead me to believe nothing and yet nearly four decades after the historic Stonewall riots the targeting of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals for police abuse and misconduct remains a widespread problem in America.

I direct your attention to the center ring in this three ring circus. Presenting the month of June nationally recognized as LGBT Pride. Going strong for 37 years now, Pride month commemorates the anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion in 1969 and is an annual reminder of the constant struggles facing the LGBT community, your community, my community...our community.

Though the Universal Declaration of Human Rights makes no direct mention of sexuality and gender identity, logical interpretations of a declaration for human rights would include all of humanity. Violations of the UDHR against the LGBT community; your community, my community, our community; reads like manual to becoming a dictator. Violations against the UDHR such as the Right to Life, Liberty and the Security of Person (Article 3), Right to Freedom from Torture and Degrading Treatment (Article 5), Freedom from Arbitrary Arrest (Article 9) and Right of Peaceful Assembly and Association (Article 20) have also been successfully referenced in human rights caseworks involving LGBT people.

Until we all are free, none of us are free. Education and growth is our weapon against violations and violence against our humanity.  Ignorance benefits no one and spreads like fire across the human rainbow. (No pun intended.)

-jon perry

REACT! MAKE SOME NOISE at Pride! Get involved with your local Pride celebration be you gay or straight and tell me why the LGBT community is everyone's community.

International Children's Day is celebrated on June 1^st by over 21countries.  Because it's a tradition to celebrate this day as Children's Protection Day by many countries that were part of former USSR, there is a misconception that it's a Communistic invention.

Even though it's not really clear why the International children's day is celebrated on June 1^st, there are two possible reasons: 

• 1. One theory has it that the Chinese consul-general in San Francisco, USA gathered a number of Chinese orphans to celebrate Dragon Boat Festival in 1925, which happened to be on June 1^st that year.
• 2. The other theory is that it originates from the 1925 "World Conference for the Well Being of Children" held in Geneva, Switzerland. Attended by representatives from 54 countries, the conference passed the "Geneva Declaration Protecting Children", which focused on poverty, prevention of child labor, education and other issues related to the welfare of children around the world. After the conference, various governments around the world designated a day as Children's Day, to encourage and bring joy to children as well as to draw the attention of society to children's issues.
Issues that sound familiar? Should  we join our forces for the same cause?

Positive answer-GREAT! Dedicate this wonderful summer day to help children in other countries. Take action on http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/

Hi Activists!!!!

I am sure most if not all are enjoying great summer holidays and the beautiful summer weather. The holiday season means that you are off your regular study sessions and might have more free time to think about the future of your Amnesty groups and ways to improve them.

Had any events that were successful? Have tips for organizing successful events? Feel free to share them with others at  youth@aiusa.org

In a common effort we have more chances to succeed in recruiting more members, spreading the word, taking action and being heard.

Here are some suggestions.

• Keep yourselves informed about AI news and events even if you aren't very active as group at the moment.
• Spread information especially if you are in a new place. Young people around you may not be informed.
• You might want to share your knowledge about the AI while you are out having fun with friends, and especially when you make new friends.

Enjoy the holidays & stay informed and active!!!!!

-Liana