North America and Caribbean

United States | Canada | English-speaking Caribbean | Cuba | Dominican Republic | Haiti

Much of Amnesty's work in the North America and Caribbean region during 2012 will address violence by states and armed groups. This encompasses several concerns, including the use of the death penalty in the USA and some Caribbean countries, police violations in Dominican Republic, prison conditions and US counter-terrorism policy. We will also campaign for the end of impunity for crimes committed under Jean-Claude Duvalier in Haiti.

Freedom of expression remains a significant issue in all our countries. In Cuba, for example, despite the release of dozens of prisoners of conscience over the last two years, the country's repressive legal system continues to restrict this basic human right, as well as those of freedom of association and assembly. The Poverty and Human Rights campaign will continue to play a prominent role in our work within the region. The protection of women and girls is a particular concern; reports have outlined widespread sexual violence in Haiti's makeshift camps, for example.

In addition, the issues of poverty, trafficking, land rights, forced evictions, statelessness and maternal mortality will be given emphasis. Counter-terror work will focus on indefinite detentions and military commissions in Guantánamo, and the pursuit of accountability and remedy for victims of these policies.

Read more about the countries in this region in our 2013 Annual Report

Further information