Latest News
Eritrea: Rampant repression 20 years after independence - new report
Twenty years after independence, Eritreas prisons are filled with thousands of political prisoners locked up without ever being charged, many of whom are never heard from again, Amnesty International said in a report released today. Posted: 9 May 2013
Egypt: 'Appalling' abuse of kidnapped refugees in Sinai must end - new briefing
Egypt and Sudan must make urgent and concerted efforts to stop asylum-seekers and refugees being kidnapped from camps in Sudan, forcibly transported to Egypt and severely abused in the Sinai desert, Amnesty International said in a new briefing today. Posted: 3 Apr 2013
Sudan: prisoner release 'barely scratches the surface'
The release of seven prisoners in Sudan overnight after yesterdays announcement of a prisoner amnesty has been described by Amnesty International as barely scratching the surface. Posted: 2 Apr 2013
Somalia: UN Arms Embargo must stay in place
Amnesty International warned that armed groups such as al-Shabab could get their hands on more weapons if the United Nations Security Council agree to lift the arms embargo on Somalia later this week. Posted: 5 Mar 2013
Chad: Justice needed for opposition leader who 'disappeared' five years ago
The continuing mystery over the fate and whereabouts of opposition politician Ibni Oumar Mahamat Saleh who was detained five years ago demonstrates the failure of Chad to deliver justice and end impunity, Amnesty International said today (1 Feb). Posted: 1 Feb 2013
Kenya: Stalled political reform is a risk to elections
Violence in the aftermath of the 2007 Kenyan elections which claimed 1,300 lives shows just how vital it is Kenyan police are properly prepared ahead of polls this March, Amnesty International said in a new report, Police Reform in Kenya: A Drop in the Ocean. Posted: 30 Jan 2013
United Nations vote on death penalty moratorium welcomed
Amnesty International has welcomed an increase in global support for abolition of the death penalty, after the UN General Assembly yesterday voted overwhelmingly in favour of a moratorium on the use of the death penalty. Posted: 21 Dec 2012
Female teacher facing the death penalty because of her humanitarian work
A Sudanese teacher and activist is facing the death penalty because of her humanitarian work and the peaceful expression of her views, and should be released immediately, Amnesty International said today. Posted: 17 Dec 2012
UK sends 15,000 messages to Ugandan president protesting new anti-homosexuality bill
In the last 24 hours Amnesty International supporters in the UK have sent 15,000 messages to the Ugandan president, prime minister and opposition leader demanding the countrys parliament drops a draconian anti-homosexuality bill that would see life sentences, and even the death penalty, handed out. Posted: 29 Nov 2012
Chad: new report reveals horror of detention conditions
The lives of prisoners in Chad are often put at risk by harsh detention conditions including severe overcrowding in unventilated cells that can reach temperatures of up to 48 degrees Celsius, Amnesty International said today. Posted: 10 Sep 2012
Amnesty experts available for interview in reaction to death of Ethiopian prime Minister
In reaction to the death of Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, Amnesty Internationals Ethiopia researcher Claire Beston said: The 21 years of Meles Zenawi's rule were characterised by ever-increasing repression and widespread human rights violations. His government stamped out dissenting voices, dismantled the independent media, obstructed human rights organisations and strangled political opposition. Posted: 21 Aug 2012
Killing of two journalists in Somalia prompts investigation call
The Somali authorities and the international community must act to end impunity for the killing of media workers, Amnesty International said today, following the deaths of two journalists in separate incidents in the countrys capital Mogadishu at the weekend. Posted: 13 Aug 2012
Sudanese security forces must stop using live ammunition against protesters
The Sudanese security forces must stop shooting protesters with live ammunition, Amnesty International said today, after confirming that at least eight demonstrators killed on Tuesday had bullet wounds in their chests, some inflicted at close range. Posted: 2 Aug 2012
Olympic Games: Amnesty's global overview
The Olympic Games start in a weeks time and will see representatives of hundreds of different nations taking part. Amnesty Internationals annual report details the human rights situation in 155 different countries and provides a unique insight. Posted: 20 Jul 2012
International court ruling on ex-Chad leader Habr is 'a victory for victims'
Senegal must abide by a decision by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and prosecute the former president of Chad Hissne Habr on charges relating to large-scale human rights abuses during his time in power. Posted: 20 Jul 2012
Sudan: torture and abuse of demonstrators
The Sudanese authorities should immediately stop the torture and ill-treatment of those detained following demonstrations since mid-June 2012 Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch said today. Posted: 11 Jul 2012
Ethiopia: Conviction of government opponents a 'dark day' for freedom of expression
More Ethiopian government opponents have been convicted on trumped up terrorism and treason charges in what Amnesty International called "a dark day" for freedom of expression. Posted: 28 Jun 2012
Uganda: Police raid on LGBT rights workshops, 'senseless'
Following an armed police raid on a human rights workshop attended by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activists in Kampala on Monday (18 June), Amnesty International has reiterated its call on the Ugandan government to end its outrageous harassment of people involved in lawful activities. Posted: 21 Jun 2012
UN Security Council: Urgent action needed to end Sudan's humanitarian disaster
The UN Security Council must fulfil its duty to protect civilians in Sudan and take immediate action to halt the military's indiscriminate airstrikes, Amnesty International said in a new report out today. Posted: 7 Jun 2012
Amnesty International Report 2012: No longer business as usual for tyranny and injustice
Strong arms trade treaty needed as UN Security Council increasingly looks unfit for purpose Posted: 24 May 2012