aiusa - egypt activist guide
TRANSCRIPT
-
8/7/2019 AIUSA - Egypt Activist Guide
1/8
Activist Guide
Unrest in EgyptDEMANDING CHANGE
-
8/7/2019 AIUSA - Egypt Activist Guide
2/8
DEMANDING CHANGE: Unrest in EgyptActivist Guide
DEMANDING CHANGE: Unrest in EgyptActivist Guide
CONTENTS
345678
Background Information:Protests in Egypt; About Amnesty InternationalAmnesty Internationals Rapid Response to Crisis in Egypt:Getting involved through an AI perspective; Intl Day of SolidarityAmnesty Internationals Rapid Response to Crisis in Egypt:Key Actions, Human Rights Messaging & AI Talking PointsActivism Resources:Basics of planning a rally or demonstration; Suggested slogansActivism Resources:Tips for supporting and organizing events; Letters to the editorAmnesty International Resources:AI resources on the web & in the AIUSA Section
-
8/7/2019 AIUSA - Egypt Activist Guide
3/8
DEMANDING CHANGE: Unrest in Egypt
Activist Guide 3
BACKGROUND INFORMATIONProtests in Egypt
About Amnesty International
On January 25, 2011, protests began in cities throughout Egypt. Inspired by the recent events in Tuni
Egyptians began protesting against poverty, corruption and police abuse and calling for the end of Presid
Hosni Mubaraks rule.
Since then, more than 100 protestors have been killed in the demonstrations, which have been forci
dispersed by the security forces. Scores of others have been injured. Many of those injured did not go to
hospital for treatment for fear of being arrested.
Additionally, over a thousand protestors have been detained by the Egyptian security forces. Many were bea
up by riot police and State Security Investigations officers during their arrest and beaten again once detained
Central Security camps. They had their mobile phones confiscated from them and those injured were denied a
quate medical care. They were also denied immediate access to a lawyer.
On January 27, 2011, the Public Prosecutor ordered the release on bail of some detainees. They have be
charged with unauthorized gathering, assault on security forces, damaging public property and disrupting trafOthers continue to be detained and are expected to appear before the prosecutor in the coming days. The
charges are just the latest example of the authorities attempting to curb freedom of assembly and deny Egypti
the right to peaceful assembly.
The Egyptian government is also continuing to try to censor its citizens, initially cutting off internet and pho
access. While much internet access has been restored, the government has taken other steps to li
communications. Now journalists find themselves targets in the crackdown on freedom of expression. Des
this, the protests continue. We, too, must not remain silent and stand in solidarity with the Egyptian people.
From 2000 to 2003, AI campaigned for the release of human rights activist and scholar Saad Eddin Ibrahim, who w
mprisoned for his activities monitoring elections in Egypt and for criticizing what he saw as attempts to pass powundemocratically from President Hosni Mubarak to Mr. Mubaraks son.
When student blogger Karim Amer was sentenced to four years' imprisonment in 2007 for publishing his views via the intern
Amnesty took up campaigning on his case until his release from prison in 2010.
The organization highlighted the case of novelist and human rights activist Musaad Suliman Hassan Hussein (usually known
his pen name Musaad Abu Fagr) through its worldwide Global Write-a-thon in December 2009. After more than two years det
tion without trial, Mr. Hussein was released in July 2010.
Founded in 1961 and celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, Amnesty Internationala Nobel Peace Prize winneris now worlds largest human rights organization, with 3 million supporters in more than 150 nations and territories and 500,000 su
porters in the United States. Bringing together millions of people around the globe to shine a light on injustice, we strive
protect the rights of all people to live with dignity, free from violence and injustice.
Our global movement of determined and compassionate individuals has mobilized for more than 50 years to free people froprisons and death chambers and institute laws that will protect people from brutality, challenge vicious authorities acombat injustice. Amnesty International investigates and exposes abuses, educates and mobilizes the public, and works
protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied by campaigning for human rights worldwide.
-
8/7/2019 AIUSA - Egypt Activist Guide
4/8
DEMANDING CHANGE: Unrest in Egypt
Activist Guide 4
AMNESTY INTERNATIONALS RAPID RESPONSETO CRISIS IN EGYPTGetting involved through an AI perspective
International Day of Solidarity with the Egyptian People
Egypt Mission to the United Natio36 East 67th St
New York, NY 10065
Egypt Consulate New York1110 Second Ave
New York, NY 10022
Egypt Consulate Houston1990 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 2180
Houston, TX 77056
Egypt Consulate Chicago500 N Michigan Ave, Suite 1900
Chicago, IL 60611Egypt Consulate San Francisco3001 Pacific Ave
San Francisco, CA 94115
Egypt Embassy Washington, D.C.3521 International Ct. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008
www.embassyofegyptwashingtondc.org
Outside all Egyptian Embassies & Consulates,or public locations worldwide!Saturday, February 5: 12:00pm2:00pm (suggested local time)
In light of the situation in Egypt, Amnesty members are encouraged to participate in coordinated action
with other organizations to express solidarity and support for the Egyptian protestors. In this respect, ther
are a few points to consider before committing yourself to being involved.
Amnesty International does not take a position on any political party, agenda or ideology in Egypt, and inot calling for Mubarak to step down, but instead, focuses on the human rights violations which havfollowed the crackdown on peaceful protests.Please exercise caution when supporting or organizing events in solidarity for Egypt and make sure t
focus on Amnesty Internationals messages and the overall human rights framework when participating.
Amnesty International relies on its independent and impartial research and funding to maintain utmos
integrity and credibility in the global human rights movement and beyond. Therefore, Amnesty activisshould be particularly careful about sharing any public platform, making joint public statements or joint
organizing events so as not to be seen supporting a particular economic, social, political party or religiou
ideology or to take sides on a conflict. Focus on neutrality and human rights.Even if opposing messaging is present, as long as Amnesty activists are clearly identified with Amnesmessaging/signs and prepared with Amnesty talking points, effective collaboration can still occur in thname of international solidarity and human rights!
Join in peaceful demonstrations in solidarity with the Egyptian people and in support of freedomand democracy on the International Day of Solidarity with the Egyptian people!
http://www.embassyofegyptwashingtondc.org/http://www.embassyofegyptwashingtondc.org/ -
8/7/2019 AIUSA - Egypt Activist Guide
5/8
DEMANDING CHANGE: Unrest in Egypt
Activist Guide 5
Key Actions
Human Rights Messaging & Talking PointsOnce again, Amnesty International does not take a position on any political party, agenda or ideology iEgypt, and is not calling for Mubarak to step down, but instead, focuses on the human rights violationwhich have followed the crackdown on peaceful protests.The Egyptian government must allow peaceful demonstrations, rein in the security forces, and refrai
from disproportionate and unnecessary use of force against protesters.
Under international law, police must not use firearms against persons except in self-defense o
defense of others against the imminent threat of death or serious injury.
Protesters have been detained, injured and killed in the unrest that began on 25 January. Egyptian secu
rity forces have disproportionately and unnecessarily used live rounds and lethal force against protesters
Over 1,200 protestors, reporters and journalists have been arrested and detainedDetainees must hav
immediate access to legal counsel and family members, and be formally charged or released. They mu
not be subjected to torture or ill-treatment.
The government must cease all efforts to block the Internet, social media tools or impede the norma
flow of communications.
In the long-term, the Egyptian government must end the State of Emergency which facilitates othe
human rights abuses such as unfair trials, prolonged detention and the systematic use of torture.
Amnesty International believes protesters must have the right to organize protests and demonstrate frefrom intimidation, violence, and the threat of arbitrary detention and prosecution.
Call the Egyptian embassy (202.895.5400), urging them to allow peaceful protests tocontinue without intimidation and violence from Egypt's security forces. Then report back he
Take URGENT ACTION on behalf of Egyptian protestors at risk.(PDF): http://www.amnestyusa.org/actioncenter/actions/uaa01511.pdf
Urge the US government to press Egypt to rein in security forces during protests here.
1
AMNESTY INTERNATIONALS RAPID RESPONSETO CRISIS IN EGYPT
2 3
http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/site/c.jhKPIXPCIoE/b.6537769/k.429F/Egypt_Call_In_Feedback/apps/ka/ct/contactus.asp?c=jhKPIXPCIoE&b=6537769&en=8hIFLRMvH7IOK1NyF6JKK3MPJlKRL2MFLeIOI7PQLvFhttp://www.amnestyusa.org/actioncenter/actions/uaa01511.pdfhttp://www.amnestyusa.org/actioncenter/actions/uaa01511.pdfhttp://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/siteapps/advocacy/index.aspx?c=jhKPIXPCIoE&b=2590179&template=x.ascx&action=15213http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/siteapps/advocacy/index.aspx?c=jhKPIXPCIoE&b=2590179&template=x.ascx&action=15213http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/siteapps/advocacy/index.aspx?c=jhKPIXPCIoE&b=2590179&template=x.ascx&action=15213http://www.amnestyusa.org/actioncenter/actions/uaa01511.pdfhttp://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/site/c.jhKPIXPCIoE/b.6537769/k.429F/Egypt_Call_In_Feedback/apps/ka/ct/contactus.asp?c=jhKPIXPCIoE&b=6537769&en=8hIFLRMvH7IOK1NyF6JKK3MPJlKRL2MFLeIOI7PQLvF -
8/7/2019 AIUSA - Egypt Activist Guide
6/8
DEMANDING CHANGE: Unrest in Egypt
Activist Guide 6
ACTIVISM RESOURCES
Suggested slogans for rallies
Basics of Planning a Rally or Demonstration
DIGNITY FOR ALL
DIGNITY IS OUR RIGHT
WE DEMAND DIGNITY
HEAR OUR VOICE, RESPECT OUR RIGHTS
SOCIAL JUSTICE FOR ALL
NO TO POVERTY, YES TO SOCIAL JUSTICEPEACEFUL PROTEST IS A RIGHT
RESPECT OUR RIGHTS!
END EMERGENCY LAW, UPHOLD RIGHTS
JUSTICE NOW
NO TO TORTURE, YES TO JUSTICE
WE STAND IN SOLIDARITY
TIME FOR JUSTICE
ENOUGH STATE ABUSE
STOP THE BLOODSHED
END 30 YEARS OF REPRESSION
Before any rally begins, it should be organized thoroughly and have a clear and useful purpose. A well-organiz
demonstration can educate the public about your point of view, attract media attention, indirectly pressure public officia
and increase awareness of your cause.
Regardless of the size of the rally, a lot of time and effort goes into organizing any demonstration. Here are some things
keep in mind. It can be helpful to create a smaller planning team to help organize the event. Hold a meeting to recruit peop
convince your friends or do what you have to do to get people on board. Try to schedule the rally at a time that is convenie
for the most number of people and not during a time where events may be competing. Once a location is chosen, call yo
local police station to find out if you need a permit, or just to let them know whats going on so they arent shocked when t h
do find out. Make flyers and signs. Use slogans on paraphernalia. If there will be bands or guest speakers, identify who th
will be and how will they be heard (podium, speakers, microphones, sound system, etc).
This may be the most important task. Get people to come! Create an email group list or Facebook page that includes yo
community group contacts, appropriate friends, family members and co-workers. Distribute strategic updates about your eve
to this group, and encourage them to forward your emails to people they know who'd want to attend. Post flyers around t
neighborhood, at community centers, on school and church bulletin boards. Everywhere!
Contact media outlets and specific reporters and at least 1-2 weeks prior to announce your event and follow-up with a faxed
emailed copy of a media advisory a few days prior and on the day of your event. (Media advisories are concise who, wh
where, when and why updates that include information about interview opportunities). Follow-up phone calls are helpful
well to secure coverage.
Make sure there's a schedule of events. If you have speakers lined up, ensure that your speakers are ready and know how lo
they can talk. Make sure you have all the right permits and that the police are down with your peaceful assembly. Have flye
handy with some facts about your cause, petitions to gather signatures from the crowd for your cause (this engages passers-
as well!) and create some extra signs for people to hold, and exercise your right to speak out!
Be prepared to clean up afterwards and, most important of all, make sure youre not breaking any laws; be respectful to all! PUNOAO
PROMOTE
PLAN
PU
Because events on the ground in Egypt are moving quick
please refer to the Human Rights Now Blogand to the
AIUSA Egypt Country pagefor updates.
http://blog.amnestyusa.org/http://blog.amnestyusa.org/http://www.amnestyusa.org/all-countries/egypt/page.do?id=1011147http://www.amnestyusa.org/all-countries/egypt/page.do?id=1011147http://www.amnestyusa.org/all-countries/egypt/page.do?id=1011147http://blog.amnestyusa.org/ -
8/7/2019 AIUSA - Egypt Activist Guide
7/8
DEMANDING CHANGE: Unrest in Egypt
Activist Guide 7
Letters to the Editor
ACTIVISM RESOURCES
Writing letters to the editor is a great way to further raise awareness about the current situation in Egyp
with a large audience and to keep human rights at the heart of the dialogue.To significantly increase the chances that your letter is printed, please keep the following points in min
Use AI talking points/messages to guide your letter (Page 5), but also use your own words, style & voice as we
Try to frame your letter as a response to a recent article, editorial, or event covered by your newspape
Keep your letter concise and to the point. Check your newspapers website for guidelines on word cou
bear in mind that most newspapers will only accept letters of 150-200 words.
Make sure to give your contact details, including phone number. (Phone numbers will not be publish
editors generally call authors to confirm the validity of the letter before publishing.)
Include your Amnesty International affiliation at the bottom of your letter if appropriate; however, be
aware of mentioning the organization too many times and sounding self-promotional.
Check with your newspapers website to submit your letter via postal mail, fax or email.
Wrap your letter up by explaining what you think needs to happen now and make a call to action usin
one of Amnesty Internationals 3 key actions (Page 5).
Note: If your letter is published, please send a copy to AIUSA-Crisis Prevention & Response, 600 Pennsylvania ASE, 5th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20003., or email it [email protected].
Prepare volunteers. Have them practice our Amnesty International messages and talking points as well a
a response to the question What is Amnesty?, as well as what specific actions they will ask people to d
Make sure to have sign-up sheets to gather others contact information and bring plenty of pens.
(Download a sign-in sheet& be sure to follow-up and invite new contacts to your next meeting or event!)
Create an area where people can help themselves to Amnesty information, such as membership brochure
or printed copies of urgent actions and press releases. Always try to feature an action for people to take.Be prepared to ask people to join your group and to become members of Amnesty International.
Check to see if you need to bring any items yourself such as a table and chairs, or water for volunteers.
Tips for supporting and organizing events
Because events on the ground in Egypt are moving quick
please refer to the Human Rights Now Blogand to the
AIUSA Egypt Country pagefor updates.
Make sure you are easily identifiable with AI banners, signs or shirts to ensure
passersby know who you represent. Clearly marked AI branding and messaging willalso help distinguish your group from those who may have contrary messaging.
http://www.amnestyusa.org/activist_toolkit/referenceresources/samplesignin.pdfhttp://www.amnestyusa.org/activist_toolkit/referenceresources/samplesignin.pdfhttp://blog.amnestyusa.org/http://blog.amnestyusa.org/http://www.amnestyusa.org/all-countries/egypt/page.do?id=1011147http://www.amnestyusa.org/all-countries/egypt/page.do?id=1011147http://www.amnestyusa.org/all-countries/egypt/page.do?id=1011147http://blog.amnestyusa.org/http://www.amnestyusa.org/activist_toolkit/referenceresources/samplesignin.pdf -
8/7/2019 AIUSA - Egypt Activist Guide
8/8
DEMANDING CHANGE: Unrest in Egypt
In the AIUSA Section
AMNESTY RESOURCESOn the Web
Because events on the ground in Egypt are moving quick
please refer to the Human Rights Now Blogand to the
AIUSA Egypt Country pagefor updates.
http://blog.amnestyusa.org/http://blog.amnestyusa.org/http://www.amnestyusa.org/all-countries/egypt/page.do?id=1011147http://www.amnestyusa.org/all-countries/egypt/page.do?id=1011147mailto:[email protected]://www.amnestyusa.org/act-locally/page.do?id=1031044http://www.facebook.com/amnestyusahttp://twitter.com/jpmlynchhttp://blog.amnestyusa.org/http://www.amnestyusa.org/egypthttp://www.amnestyusa.org/all-countries/egypt/page.do?id=1011147http://blog.amnestyusa.org/