By Anne Sophie Bonefeld, Head of Communication of Amnesty Denmark,
On Saturday, Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Salil Shetty, will be one of the key note speakers alongside Aryeh Neier who is the President of the Open Society Foundations. Together with other international experts they will map and discuss the implications of the wave of nationalism and xenophobia which increasingly influences mainstream politics in the European societies. Furthermore, they will discuss how to address the challenges that xenophobia creates in terms of protecting and upholding human rights.
By Jeremy Bloom and Vittorio Infante from the Central American team,
Thanks so much to all the people that have created their butterflies online and on paper! If you haven’t already please show your support. You can create your own butterfly here: bit.ly/butterfly50
In July, we delivered the first butterflies to girls that have survived sexual violence. We wanted to show them just how much power their words have had and how they have inspired people all around the world to stand in solidarity with them.
Argentina Espinoza, Director of the Ixchen Centres for women and girls in Nicaragua, told us how important the butterflies have been for the girls and the centre staff; ‘We really appreciate all the expressions of solidarity as they give us energy to continue with this struggle” See the full video here.
One brave girl, a survivor of sexual violence, who shared her story with Amnesty International, wrote this message to the presidential candidates on the wings of her butterfly; “We young people and children are asking for freedom and that justice is done. No more domestic, psychological and spiritual violence. And I really hope that you give us a good response today. We have to break the silence and not have fear of anything anymore.”
Watch out for information on the demonstrations on 28 September and how your support contributed to girls and women defending their rights in Nicaragua.
On 28 September, please show your solidarity by making your butterfly your profile picture.
By Nicki Lees International youth advisory and action body,
Over the course of two days at the end of last month, numerous governments stood up in the UN General Assembly in New York and proclaimed their lasting commitment to furthering the development of young people in their countries. They did this in celebration of 2011 – International Year of Youth, coming together for a United Nations High-Level Meeting on Youth in New York from 25-26 July.
It is commendable that governments are expressing a desire to ensure the active participation and engagement of young people in their societies. However, these words must be followed up with actions!
As Amnesty International, we were there to ensure that deliberations included a rights-based approach and to hold governments accountable for their undertakings. Continue reading ‘High level meeting on youth’
Livewire is the new home of blogs produced by Amnesty International's International Secretariat. It includes blogs from campaigning actions, from research missions, from high level meetings and events written by Amnesty International staff.
Amnesty International's new action-zine for human rights is available now. Click here to access features, appeals, information and easy actions.
Para información y artículos en español, ver La Revista