Individuals at Risk

Lately, there seems to be a new article almost daily focusing on the tumultuous friction surrounding the Kurdish guerilla group, PKK. Already this week, The New York Times published the article, "Turkey Flexes Military Might Amid PKK Clashes". Tensions between the PKK, Turkey, Iraq, and the United States seem to be at an all time high.

It is important to remember among such "disastrous" instability that human rights should not be impacted by political tensions. Human rights reach beyond biased divides, and yet, in Turkey, authorities are trying to turn a blind eye to human rights obligations and allow forced disappearances. It is strikingly similar to the way the United States has treated issues of torture at Guantanamo Bay.

How would you react if your son ‘disappeared'? What if it was your sister? What if it was you?

Reportedly detained by the Turkish Army on Sept. 19^th, Ihsan Tekes is an alleged member of the armed separatist group, the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK)  For nearly three weeks Tekes' mother, Remziye, searched for her son, sending several written applications to the State Prosecutor's office, without avail. Finally on Oct 3^rd, media reports confirmed that he had in fact been captured by the Turkish army. Despite this, there has still not been an official statement from the Turkish government, and Remziye has yet to receive any information on the detention or location of her son. For Remziye and to those closest to Tekes, his situation appears grave as his whereabouts and welfare where still unknown.

Take a stand today for individuals like Ihsan Tekes. Express your concern that there has been no official confirmation of Tekes' fate or his whereabouts since Sept. 19^th. No one should be subjected to forced disappearance or incommunicado detention - such human rights abuses also increase the risk of torture, ill-treatment, and extra judicial execution. Click HERE to read more about Tekes' Urgent Action case. Do your part to end human rights abuses and to demonstrate that human rights will not be affected by any political or cultural divide.

To learn more about Amnesty's Denounce Torture Initiative.

- M. Lysaght

There are 149 Lao Hmong refugees including 83 children, 4 infants and 3 pregnant women, in Thailand who need your help.

The Lao Hmong refugees are the focus of this month's AiKids edition. But don't just brush this Urgent Action off because it is for kids. In the end, aren't we all kids at heart? These AIKids' Urgent Actions are simply-written actions for kids, about kids. They provide an opportunity to introduce letter-writing as an empowering tool to elementary and middle school students. Each action offers information about the youth involved in the human rights violation as well as an FYI section about the country.

This months FYI section focuses on the Lao People's Democratic Republic, because truly how much DO you know about Laos? Do you even say the country name right? This fun and intriguing portion allows both kids and adults to test their knowledge of the world. And who knows, you may even start answering some of the questions right on "Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader?"

Nevertheless, these refugees are in serious need of your attention. They have been held in a detention center in Thailand under deplorable and inhumane conditions. All 149 have been confined to two hot and window-less cells and no one has been allowed to leave for more than 9 months. This is 9 months too long.

Take action today by writing a letter. Short or long, from the hand of a 2^nd grader or that of a business owner, your letters are what make the difference.

To learn more about the October AiKids Urgent Action, click here.

-M. Lysaght

Do you have suggestions on how to improve the AIKids monthly edition? Is there a recent UA you would like to be used for next month's AIKids? Let us know!

September 24th and 25th was enveloped in fear for so many in Burma (Myanmar). The 30,000 red-robed monks calmly maintained their peaceful stance as the junta unleashed their oppressive attack on the protestors. This was the beginning of the junta's violent crackdown on the anti-government protests. The end of the bloodshed has yet to be seen and reports are unclear about the number arrested, injured or killed.

The peaceful demonstrations started in August as a reaction to the abrupt increases in fuel prices, but the pressure felt by civilians had been amounting for months prior because of the oppressive nature of the military regime. Monks and civilians alike have joined the cause demanding the release of political prisoner, Nobel Peace Prize winner, and leader of the National League for Democracy Aung San Suu Kyi.

But this protest does more than denote dissatisfaction by the people of Burma; the protest signifies their desire for national reconciliation to resolve deep political divisions. Human rights violations in Burma have been widespread and systematic since 1962. Nevertheless, hundreds of monks and other peaceful protesters have been detained as the junta has laws in place that criminalize any expression of political dissent.

Help to ensure the Myanmar people's rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly in Burma. After all, today, October 4th, is International Bloggers' Day for Burma. We need to take advantage of collective actions like today. Exercise your rights to defend those who live in fear in Burma. Write a letter urging the Burmese officials to ensure that all people in Burma are able to live without fear of harassment, intimidation, or arbitrary detention.

In Solidarity, M. Lysaght

Take Action for Individuals at Risk in Burma!
Take Action for Burmese Refugees in India !
Take Action for former student leader Hla Myo Naung !

If you would like to see current photos of the situation in Burma, please click here.