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June 2013

Latest: Zimbabwe elections announced

President Mugabe has announced that Zimbabwe will head to the polls on 31 July (although the South African Development Community has suggested it is postponed to 14 August. The date will be confirmed by the Zimbabwe Supreme Court). 
 
When Zimbabwe last held elections in 2008, unprecedented levels of politically-motivated human rights violations took place. More than 200 people were killed, 10,000 injured and 28,000 forced to flee their homes. With less than 7 weeks to go until the polls are due to open, it is so important that we take action now to avoid a repeat of the violence and fear seen five years ago.
 
In 2008 it was Zimbabwe's neighbours in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) who helped to reduce the violence. Now it is crucial that they act to prevent such bloodshed from happening again. 
 

What you can do

We are calling on the President of Tanzania, the Chair of the SADC group responsible for peace and security in the region, to act now. And we need your help to help collect as many signatures as possible.

Free Dr Tun Aung

Dr Tun Aung © Private

Dr. Tun Aung was arrested in Burma on 11 June 2011. Eyewitnesses claim that when riots broke out in Rakhine State last year, the Muslim community leader tried to calm a crowd that had gathered at his local mosque. 

Despite this, he was arrested for 'inciting violence'. We consider Dr Tun Aung a prisoner of conscience, targeted because he is a Muslim community leader.

This month marks a year since Dr Aung's arrest. Over this time we have the rare opportunity to send messages of support to Dr Aung's family who are currently based outside of Burma and have said they would welcome cards from you. 

What you can do

Please ensure that your messages reach our International Secretariat offices before 12 July 2013.

    Long-term case campaigning 

    Painting of a demo with banners showing individuals at risk
    A core part of our work is campaigning for Individuals at Risk - prisoners of conscience, human rights defenders, community leaders, social media activists, women's rights champions, and communities under threat from violence or forced eviction.
     
    This is what we call 'case campaigning' and there are many ways to get involved. One way that many groups take action on the case of an Individual at Risk is on a long-term basis, by being allocated a case by the Individuals at Risk Programme. Download our guide to find out how you can take part.  

    Local groups' planning pack

    The annual Local Groups' planning pack is now available. We have made the pack much simpler this year. Download it below to get: 
     
    • descriptions of campaign priorities
    • an options form 
    • a financial return form
     
    We will have all other forward planning information available here soon.

    Refugee Week 2013

    Refugee Week logoRefugee Week 2013 highlights the many ways in which refugees have contributed to and become part of our rich history and heritage. Hundreds of events will be taking place around the country. These are just some of the highlights:

    'I am Nasrine' screening + Q&A. Location and date: various

    The BAFTA-nominated film follows the paths of Nasrine and Ali, sister and brother from their comfortable, middle-class Iranian home to an uncertain future in the UK. 

    16 June - Celebrating Sanctuary, London

    Focused on Natasha Reid's 'The Embassy' this year's Celebrating Sanctuary hosts a range of discussions around the theme of sanctuary in arts, architecture, history and law, as well as an exquisite programme of spoken word and music performances.

    See the full listings on the Refugee Week website 

    Get involved

    We have a selection of posters and postcards to order for free by emailing activism@amnesty.org.uk. For a wide range of resources visit the Refugee Week website

    Spread the word - contact your local press

    We'd love to have your help publicising Refugee Week by sending a letter to your local paper. Ideally you should prepare it as soon as possible and get it to your local paper in time for publication in the week commencing Monday 17 June. 

    Download our template letter below. Please feel free to amend and add in any work you are doing locally on Refugee Week. If you require any further info or help with contacts, please contact Harriet Garland, Press Officer at harriet.garland@amnesty.org.uk or call: 020 7033 1549