November 1999

In the wake of Euskadi Ta Askatasuna's announcement that it has decided to "reactivate the armed struggle" Amnesty International today reiterated its unreserved condemnation of past abuses perpetrated by the armed group. Posted: 30 Nov 1999

Today's release of prisoner of conscience and former Prime Minister of Belarus, Mikhail Chigir, was welcomed by Amnesty International, but the organisation expressed concern that the release is conditional and that he may still face trial. Posted: 30 Nov 1999

Deliberate and arbitrary killings, rape and abductions of civilians have increased in Sierra Leone over the past three months despite the peace agreement, Amnesty International said today. Posted: 30 Nov 1999

The killing and beating of ethnic Serbs in the centre of Pristina during national holiday celebrations yesterday is a clear signal that more civilian police are needed to enforce law and order in Kosovo, Amnesty International said today. Posted: 30 Nov 1999

There is a worrying absence of any meaningful discussion on human rights safeguards at the World Trade Organization's negotiations in Seattle, Amnesty International said today. Posted: 30 Nov 1999

The Lebanese authorities have given the go-ahead to set up a regional office for Amnesty International in Beirut. Posted: 29 Nov 1999

The entry into force of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (African Children's Charter), within days of the 10th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, is another positive step towards securing the protection of children's rights , Amnesty International said today. Posted: 29 Nov 1999

The Indonesian government must respond to the reported findings of a government-appointed commission* on human rights violations in Aceh by taking concrete steps to bring the perpetrators to justice, Amnesty International said today. Posted: 26 Nov 1999

On Thursday 25th November, the EU Council of Ministers Working Group on Arms (COARM) will meet in Brussels to discuss the pressing yet neglected issue of arms brokering. The UK Working Group on Arms is urging EU Governments to adopt a comprehensive licensing system to control the gun-runners who supply arms to conflict areas and human rights crisis zones with impunity. According to the Working Group: "it is essential that EU Governments do not side-step the issue of arms brokering which risks undermining the EU's declared policies on arms exports". Posted: 24 Nov 1999

"...they forced me to lay down on the floor. The hooded man started beating the soles of my feet with a cable. A few minutes later I lost consciousness... Every night from 12 until around 4 am they would call me into the interrogation room and would do the same thing ... They also threatened that they would use electric shocks..." Posted: 24 Nov 1999

Amnesty International is gravely concerned about the killing of 37 civilians when at least three shells were fired at Madhu Church in northern Sri Lanka on 20 November, during fighting between the Sri Lanka army and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Posted: 23 Nov 1999

There are fears that a military operation in the Niger Delta to seek out and arrest armed youths who have killed 12 police officers in recent weeks has resulted in the killing of innocent civilians and the burning of villages, Amnesty International warned today. Posted: 23 Nov 1999

Amnesty International today paid tribute to the life of Father Francisco Reardon, Coordinator of Brazil's Bishops' Council's Prison Ministry pastoral Carceraria da CNBB , and tireless campaigner for prisoners' basic human rights. Posted: 22 Nov 1999

New evidence has emerged in the case of two Kurdish girls who were raped Posted: 19 Nov 1999

'Many people died. Children among them. It was mostly women, children and old Posted: 17 Nov 1999

The revelation in todayÌs Independent that a British company is still apparently exporting leg-shackles, after the Government promised to ban such exports, exposes once again the gaping loopholes in UK controls over the transfer of military and security equipment. Posted: 16 Nov 1999