Individuals at Risk

On Monday March 10, over 50 monks were arrested during a peaceful demonstration in Lhasa, Tibet. The demonstration called for the Chinese government to ease "patriotic re-education" campaigns, a government propaganda policy which forces monks and nuns to denounce the Dalai Lama. Subsequent protests began in other monasteries in support of the detained monks, and quickly lead to general popular unrest in Lhasa and other parts of the Tibetan region. The response was swift and harsh. Chinese soldiers and riot police dispensed by the government reportedly fired tear gas, beat protestors, and fired live ammunition in attempt to disperse the crowds. In reaction, protests turned violent. Consequently, the city of Lhasa and other distressed regions were and continue to be subjected to a state of military lockdown. Chinese authorities have imposed a near-complete block of information to and from Tibet and the surrounding areas, cutting off access to internet and cell phone connections as well as censoring all foreign broadcasting about Tibet. Foreign journalists have been removed and refused entry into Tibet, supposedly for their own protection, effectively securing government control over any and all information both in and out of Tibet.

Considering China's current track record of employing strong arm tactics and cracking down harshly on any and all dissent, we should not be fooled by Chinese government reports aimed at downplaying the severity of the situation in Tibet. Amnesty International has obtained the names and identities of 15 monks who have been detained for their peaceful participation in last week's demonstrations. There is no information regarding their current whereabouts or of any charges brought against them, and according to reports, the youngest monk being held is only 15 years of age. Any and all protestors being detained face high risk of torture and other ill treatment. (See Urgent Action 76/08)

Time and time again, the Chinese government fails to deliver on promises for improving human rights conditions and policies within China. While Chinese authorities have a responsibility to restore order and protect individuals and property, they must be held accountable for doing so in a manner that is fair, legal and humane. Under international human rights and humanitarian law, the Tibetan people have the right to freely practice their religion and to participate in the cultural life of their communities. Detaining monks and other Tibetans for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of expression, association and assembly is a direct violation of fundamental human rights and Chinese authorities should be ashamed to add yet another infraction to their already expansive list.

Our patience is running out. The rhetoric is getting old, and the cycle of oppression in a country that so desperately seeks international recognition, needs to end.

Take action! You can speak out for the Tibetan people. Write to the President of China and the Ambassador of China to remind them of their humanitarian responsibilities.

Points to Address:

• urge authorities to release the monks and others detained for their peaceful actions
• demand full accountability for the detained, ensuring they are not tortured or ill-treated in detention and have full access lawyers and medical care
• ensure international fair trial standards for those charged with recognizable offenses
• allow full and unimpeded access to Tibet and Tibetan areas for journalists, human rights NGO's, the UN and other independent observers

Send appeals to:

"I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act; but I do believe in a fate that falls on them unless they act"         - Buddha

Read more about the crackdown in Lhasa on Amnesty International's Press Release.

In Solidarity,

Angie

The International Day of Action for Kenya organized by Amnesty International on February 27, 2008, drew impressive support from activists all across the world carrying a message of hope and solidarity with the people of Kenya. Many hands reached for Kenya, in the spirit of international justice and communion.  Vigils and demonstrations protesting the grave human rights abuses were held in eleven countries, including Australia, Cote d'Ivoire, Canada, Germany, Mali, Mexico, Netherlands, Uganda, the United Kingdom, and Uruguay.  Amnesty International Mexico organized a music event, with Uruguayan dancers and singers accompanying the protest. In Mali, around 200 activists marched to the Prime Minister's Office and handed him a petition calling for justice and reconciliation. In Côte d'Ivoire a candle vigil was held, and in Kampala 50 human rights defenders from Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya participated in a protest. In the United States, four cities held public vigils: Washington (DC), Los Angeles (CA), Denver (CO- the sister city of Kenya's capital, Nairobi), and Somerville (MA).

Online actions illustrated the borderless scope of the electronic community and the spirit of individual commitment to human rights and justice - over 5,000 people joined the Facebook Group and around 200 photos were uploaded to Flickr:

• http://www.flickr.com/photos/reachoutforkenya
• http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8721569146.

Thank you to the many advocates who organized vigils, demonstrations, and other actions calling for the attention of the international community to the grave injustices taking place in Kenya.

On February 28, representatives of the Kenyan government and the opposition party signed a power-sharing agreement and promised immediate measures to address the humanitarian crisis and to promote reconciliation, healing and restoration. However, the evidence of human rights abuses and violations gathered by Amnesty International demonstrates the necessity of ensuring that a human rights agenda is at the core of the current political negotiations, and that there is no impunity for perpetrators of human rights violations.

Human rights extend far beyond the domain of national responsibility - they are the common endeavor of people everywhere.  The very spirit of humanity assigns us the duty to stand up, not just for our own rights but, more importantly, for those of others.