amnesty international schedule info 20120609

7/31/2019 Amnesty International Schedule Info 20120609

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Activism Guide Summer 20Amnesty International Canada 312 Laurier Ave East, Ottawa Ontario, K1N 1H9 www.a


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June 2012Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

1011

National mobiliza-

tion for First Na-

tions Children

12 13 14 1516

Amnesty Interna-

tional AGM:

Vancouver

17

Amnesty Interna-

tional AGM:

Vancouver

18 19 20World RefugeeDay

21

National Aboriginal

Day

22 23

24 2526

International

Day for Victims

of Torture

27 28 29 30

July 2012Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11World PopulationDay

12

60th anniversary of

UN convention on the

Status of Refugees

13 14

15 1617

10th anniversary of

the International

Criminal Court

18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31 Join your localpride events

happening

throughout the

summer

August 2012Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri

1 2 3

5 6 7 89

International Day of

the World's Indige-

nous Peoples

10

12

International

Youth Day

13 14 15 16 17

19 20 21 22 23 24

26 27 28 29 30Day of Disappeared 31

September 2012Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri

2 3 4 5 6 7

9 10 11 1213

Day of Action on Indige-

nous Peoples at Risk of

Extinction

14 Inte

16 17 18 19 2021

International Day ofPeace

23 24 25 26 2728

Latin America: day of

the decriminalization

of abortion

30


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Dear Amnesty International activists,

Summer activism is all about

going to where people are

having fun and offering them

easy ways to voice their sup-

port for human rights. Think

parades, festivals, pow wows,

beaches, neighborhood bar-

beques, outdoor sports, and

markets. Summer is a time

to pay particular attention to your community cal-

endar, identifying where you are most likely to

meet people with some interest in human rights,

and choose opportunities that match your inter-

ests, skills, connections and availability.

In this guide, you will find information on our cur-

rent priorities, activism materials such as petitions

and postcards, tips on organizing events and a list

of key dates to help your plan your activism for the

summer.

Plenty has happened since we were last in touch.

In Syria, months of peaceful protest have failed to

bring a change of government. Many lives have

been lost or dramatically changed by injury or

abuse, leading some within the opposition to turn

to armed violence to try and force change. On In-

ternational Womens Day we stood in solidaritywith the women of the Middle East and North Af-

rica. We must continue to take action and to mobi-

lize others to support the people demanding reform

and respect for human rights on the frontlines of

the Arab uprising.

In Guatemala, Amnesty International has further

documented the on-going pattern of human rights

and environmental violations associated with ex-

tractives industries and the lack of capacity of the

state to effectively monitor and regulate the indus-

try. In April many of you took part in our were all

shareholders online action calling Canadian min-

ing company Goldcorp to pay for the full costs of

closure of the Marlin mine.

In March we launched our 100 days of action to

ensure that all governments stand up for an arms

trade treaty at the United Nations negotiations in

July. Amnesty International members around the

world are encouraged to collect as many signatures

as possible onto our global petition calling on every

government to set up an Arms Trade Treaty that

effectively prevents arms from fuel

human rights abuses or war crimes

Much has also happened that can g

and motivate us to continue to dem

change.

Write for Rights generated an inc

1,376,962 actions, in 78 different

And we got results: Jabbar Savala

imprisoned in Azerbaijan for comm

posted on Facebook was released. T

government formally accepted resp

the rape of Ins Fernndez Ortega tina Rosendo. When Jenni Williams

of Zimbabwe Arise, was last held i n

she reported being treated better th

been in the past.

In March we saw the first convictio

ternational Criminal Court, of Thom

Lubanga, for the use of child soldie

Democratic Republic of Congo. In A

Taylor was convicted by the Specia

Sierra Leone of crimes against hum

war crimes committed in the West

country between 1996 and 2002. T

victions are truly milestones.

Human rights activism is hard workalso hugely rewarding when we see

difference we can make.

Many thanks to each of you for con

making all of this happen.

We look forward to hearing about y

activism. Let us know how it goes,

pictures or copies of any media cov

If you have any questions that are n

dressed in the guide, please contac

paigns Team members whose conta

tion is included at the end of the G

In solidarity,

Alain RoyDirector of Campaigns

and Activism

Amnesty International

(Canada)

([email protected])

Resources for Action

Campaign SupportAlain Roy ( )

Tara Scurr ( )

Kate McInturff ( )

Craig Benjamin ( )

Hilary Homes ( )

Gloria Nafziger ( )

Kathy Price ( )

: Lily Mah-Sen ( )

: Tell us about your summer activity plans and we will

send you a free . The kit includes stickers, buttons, tattoos, bookmarks, and Am-

nesty flyers (the only cost is postage).

the Summer Activism Kit, banners, t-shirts, membership forms, AI@50 promotional items

(buttons, t-shirts and posters) and other Amnesty materials, contact Louise Mulvihill

For other materials and resources visit or contact

Arms Trade Treaty:

Q & A, talking points, and 10 Killer Facts are avail-

able via ATT page on website: amnesty.ca/arms

treaty

Postcard & Poster: order via national office (no

charge)

The campaign video is available at:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9RSBmk-TXg&feature=player_embedded

Petition: www.amnesty.ca/iwriteforjustice/

take_action.php?actionid=856&type=Internal

pdf version: www.amnesty.ca/files/ATT_paper_petition_Global.pdf

Middle East and North Africa

4 page briefing on the human rights agenda for change

in the Middle East and North Africa

Demand Dignity:

Maternal Health and Sexual and Reproductive

Rights Toolkit (email [email protected] to

request a copy)

Business and Human Rights:

Visit the We are All Shareholders Facebook page:

www.facebook.com/WeAreAllShareholders#!/WeAreAllShareholders

Indigenous Rights:

Visit the facebook page:www.facebook.com/Action4IndigenousRights

A pocket-size edition of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indige-

nous Peoples can be ordered from the national office.

Indigenous Peoples at risk in Colombia

Protect our Survival postcards: email Kathy Price to

order: [email protected]

Report The Struggle for Survival and Dignity: Hu-

man Rights Abuses against Indigenous Peoples in Colombia avail-

able online at:

www.amnesty.ca/amnestynews/upload/AMR230012010.pdf

Online action on behalf of Kimy Perna Domic at:

www.amnesty.ca/atrisk/index.php/kimy-pernia/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9RSBmk-TXg&feature=player_embeddedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9RSBmk-TXg&feature=player_embeddedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9RSBmk-TXg&feature=player_embeddedhttp://www.amnesty.ca/iwriteforjustice/take_action.php?actionid=856&type=Internalhttp://www.amnesty.ca/iwriteforjustice/take_action.php?actionid=856&type=Internalhttp://www.amnesty.ca/iwriteforjustice/take_action.php?actionid=856&type=Internalhttp://www.amnesty.ca/files/ATT_paper_petition_Global.pdfhttp://www.amnesty.ca/files/ATT_paper_petition_Global.pdfhttp://www.facebook.com/Action4IndigenousRightshttp://www.facebook.com/Action4IndigenousRightshttp://www.amnesty.ca/amnestynews/upload/AMR230012010.pdfhttp://www.amnesty.ca/amnestynews/upload/AMR230012010.pdfhttp://www.amnesty.ca/atrisk/index.php/kimy-pernia/http://www.amnesty.ca/atrisk/index.php/kimy-pernia/http://www.amnesty.ca/atrisk/index.php/kimy-pernia/http://www.amnesty.ca/amnestynews/upload/AMR230012010.pdfhttp://www.facebook.com/Action4IndigenousRightshttp://www.amnesty.ca/files/ATT_paper_petition_Global.pdfhttp://www.amnesty.ca/iwriteforjustice/take_action.php?actionid=856&type=Internalhttp://www.amnesty.ca/iwriteforjustice/take_action.php?actionid=856&type=Internalhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9RSBmk-TXg&feature=player_embeddedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9RSBmk-TXg&feature=player_embedded


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Indigenous Peoples at risk in Colombia

The Wayu People are not the only ones whose survival is

in jeopardy. Last year, Amnesty activists took action on

the 10th anniversary of the disappearance of Kimy Perna

Domic, an Embera Kato leader who spoke out about the

devastating impact of a big dam project partially financed

by a Canadian crown corporation. Today, the Embera

Kato are at risk of physical and cultural extinction. Co-

lombias Constitutional Court has determined that at least

34 of Colombias 102 Indigenous nations are threatened

with destruction. It is an emergency which is a s serious

as it is invisible, stated the Court.

Making this emergency visible in Canada is priority num-ber one if we are to mobilize the action needed to prevent

a humanitarian tragedy. Recently, photographer Juan

Pablo Gutierrez visited the territory of several Indigenous

Nations at risk. The result is a powerful photo exhibit en-

titled This is what we want to tell you! - Messages fromIndigenous Peoples in Colombia threatened with extinc-tion. The exhibit comes with display information, hand-outs and post cards calling for urgently needed protection

measures.

Host our photo exhibitin your community. The photos are avail-able as framed prints or beautiful banners (24 x 36) easy to hang in

a church hall, union local, public library, or display in a gallery-type

space. Contact Colombia campaigner Kathy Price at [email protected]

Gather signatures on our petitionto Foreign Minister John Baird and make use of our newpostcard to the Colombian government.

Host a Taste for Justice mealin solidarity with Indigenous Peoples struggling to defendtheir rights in Colombia. This is a meaningful, fun way that you and your friends can raise money for

AI Canada initiatives in support of this crucial struggle. For more info, contact Hala al-Madi at hal-

[email protected]

New photo exhibit, postcards and Taste for Justice

Mining has brought with it militarization of our territory. It feels like war. There is in-

creased sexual violence against women. Many people have felt compelled to leave our

territory but displacement is a huge threat to our survival We fear the Wayu will

become extinct.Testimony of Anglica Ortiz of the Indigenous womens organization Fuerza Mujeres Wayuto the In-ter-American Human Rights Commission on 28 March 2012

What you can do

100 Days of Action for a Bulleproof Arms Trade Treaty

On March 23, Amnesty launched 100 Days of Action. This phase in campaign fogathering thousands of signatures for the global appeal No Arms for Atrocities demandin

governments stand up for a treaty with strong human rights protection rules. All signature

before June 17 will be delivered to the United Nations in early July. The global appeal is a

online petition, paper copy and an innovative banana postcard format that is ideal for di

resources page for links and ordering information).

Here are a few ways you can help gather signatures on the globalInclude a link to the online petition in your email signatureShare the petition on Facebook, Twitter and other social media.Download the pdf version of the petition and pass i t around at your next group meeting

workplace and any other gathering of like-minded people.

Set up an Arms Trade Treaty display table in your local mall or organize screeningof War, Devils Bargain and other films.

If you are part of a youth/student group or have contacts in local schools, join the petit

lenge! Groups and schools that gather the most signatures by May 30 will win an Ampack including a special ATT soccer ball.

The global petition drive wraps up with a week of Action June 11-17. WatchCanada website for more information.

What you can do

Respect our Indigenous rights, message of a

Zen Indigenous woman. This portrait is part of a

compelling new AI Canada photo exhibit.Business and Human Rights -- Coupo

Yes! My local group or action circle wants to hophoto exhibit: Canadian Extractives as DevelopMyth or Reality? The exhibit will feature Jamesguezs breathtaking photographs of Canadian m

developments in Latin America.To book this photo exhibit, please provide us with contact information and proposed da

that would work for you. You can mail this coupon to the BHR Program (c/o the AI Nat

Office) or email us at [email protected]. For more information, please email us or call B

campaigner Tara Scurr, at 1-613-744-7667 ext. 102.

Free!
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Write for the rights of refugee

Bill C-31, Protecting Canadas Immigration System Actis a dangerous and disappointing Bill w

rectly goes against Canadas history as a country of safety and refuge. The Bill does not live up

ternational human rights and refugee protection obligations and will put the lives of refugees a

This Bill severely restricts a number of essential rights of

refugees including:

detention for one year without review,

the denial of access to an appeal processes,serious limitations on freedom of movement,

serious limitations on family unity.

Ask your Member of Parliament to oppose Bill C-31 and call

for legislative reforms which are consistent with Canada's

international human rights and refugee protection obliga-

tions.

Take action at: http://www.amnesty.ca/protectrefugees

Watch the Refugee Blog to monitor the progress of the bill

and take appropriate action.

http://www.amnesty.ca/blog.php?blog=refugees_hr_blog

Be a hostHosting a Taste for Justice event can be as big or small, simple or fancy as you

can host at home, or talk to your favorite restaurant to see if they will give you a

deal to host a big number of people for the night.

at www.tasteforjustice.ca or

contact Hala Al-Madi at:

1800-266-3789 or [email protected]

households across Canada celebrating the

rich cultures of Colombias Indigenous Peoples, sending a

strong message that they cannot be erased, and you can

be a part of it!

Campaigning for an Effective Global Arms Trade Treaty

The problem: lives, rights and livelihoods are at risk every dayToo many weapons are too easily obtained. They end up in the wrong hands. There is no international

system to control the flow of arms.

The human cost is staggering: every day, thousands of people are killed, injured, raped and forced to

flee from their homes as a result of armed conflict, armed violence, and human rights violations and

abuses perpetrated using conventional arms.

The solution: a global Arms Trade TreatyAmnesty International has been campaigning since the 1990s for a global treaty shaped around avery simple idea: if there is a substantial risk that arms exported to another country will contribute to

serious human rights abuses, those arms supplies must be stopped. Now an international Arms Trade

Treaty is finally within reach and negotiations are set for July 2012 at the United Nations.

Canada and the Arms Trade TreatyWe will also continue to call on the Canadian government to play a positive role in the upcoming UN negotia-

tions and support an effective Arms Trade Treaty. Members can write personal l etters to Canadas Minister of

Foreign Affairs calling on the government of Canada to do all it can to promote and support adequately funded,

comprehensive and robust Arms Trade Treaty.

Write to:Minister of Foreign Affairs

The Honorable John Baird

House of Commons

Ottawa, ON, K1A 0A6Canada

Fax: 613 992 7559

Email: [email protected]

Members are also encouraged to contact their Member of Parliament and ask what they are doing to make theArms Trade Treaty a reality. To help coordinate MP approaches and for support, please contact Hilary Homes

at the national office ([email protected]).
http://www.amnesty.ca/protectrefugeeshttp://www.amnesty.ca/protectrefugeeshttp://www.amnesty.ca/blog.php?blog=refugees_hr_bloghttp://www.amnesty.ca/blog.php?blog=refugees_hr_bloghttp://www.tasteforjustice.ca/http://www.tasteforjustice.ca/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.tasteforjustice.ca/http://www.amnesty.ca/blog.php?blog=refugees_hr_bloghttp://www.amnesty.ca/protectrefugees


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Rebellion in the Middle East and North Afric

In the aftermath of the 2011 uprisings,

people throughout the Middle East and

North Africa continue to struggle for

their human rights. The crisis in Syria

has escalated and clashes continue in

Yemen following an immunity deal

which saw President Saleh step down

on February. Despite commitments for

reform, authorities in Bahrain continueto crackdown on protests and sentence

activists to long prison terms. Egypt,

Tunisia and Libya face the challenge of

human rights protection and account-

ability while in transition to new govern-

ments amid unresolved differences.

This summer, we will focus primarily on three situations:

: the ongoing crisis and a ca ll for international action

: civilian protection and accountability, including a call fo r investigations into NA

ings and civilian casualties

: accountability and implementation of the Bahrain Independent Commissio

quirys recommendations

Members are encouraged to continue to hold panels and discussion on human rights in the M

and North Africa region. Amnesty has produced a dialogue toolkit to help you organize discus

face-to-face or online with your existing group, or more broadly with activists and academics

community. Order your copy from Hilary Homes at the national office ([email protected]).

summer campaign activity

clean water for all CanadiansFirst Nations communities in Canada face a drinking water crisis. According to a federal

government study, the majority of water systems in First Nations communities are inade-

quate and almost 40 percent represent a high risk to human health and the environ-

ment. The current federal budget for First Nations water systems is simply inadequate to

ensure that First Nations have access to safe drinking water on a comparable basis tonon-Aboriginal communities. For more: www.amnesty.ca/iwriteforjustice/take_action.php?actionid=669

Draw, paint and decorate your drops!

: the number of First Nations under boil water advisories as of February 2012

: the number of First Nations water systems that the federal audit classified as high risk

: the number of First Nations water systems found to be inadequate

: the number of First Nations homes without running water

Take a picture of what youve done! Create a display!

Invite reporters to a public signing event or to the presentation of the drops to your MP.

Write a letter to the editor thanking community members

Write a letter to the editor thanking community members for adding their voices

When youve met your goal, send the water drops and a cover letter to your member of Par-

liament: explain how you collected signatures (at public events, in a congregation, etc) and

the significance of the number collected, and ask your MP to bring their constituents con-

cerns to the attention of the government.

Take Action

More than 358,000 women die in pregnancy and c

every year. One every 90 seconds.

With the full realization of sexual and reproductiv

many of these deaths can be prevented. This toolk

signed to help you understand those rights, cla

rights and take action.

New Resource: Maternal Health and Sexual and Reproductive Rights Toolk

TAHRIR street art in Bern, Switzerland S
http://www.amnesty.ca/iwriteforjustice/take_action.php?actionid=669http://www.amnesty.ca/iwriteforjustice/take_action.php?actionid=669http://www.amnesty.ca/iwriteforjustice/take_action.php?actionid=669http://www.amnesty.ca/iwriteforjustice/take_action.php?actionid=669http://www.amnesty.ca/iwriteforjustice/take_action.php?actionid=669


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Corporate Accountability: We Are All Shareholders

The situation facing many people living near large-scale extractives projects is dire. Agricultural land,

fishing and hunting grounds are being lost. Access to clean water is diminishing.

The people of the Bodo Region of the Niger Delta have lost their livelihoods as a result of oil contami-

nation. Oil spills have affected the area for decades, damaging the soil, water and a ir quality. The oil

industry that has seen an estimated $600 billion in profits since the 1960s, has now left thiscommunity living in poverty.

In Guatemala, Indigenous Mayan peo-

ples living near the Marlin mine are

concerned that they will be left with

contaminated water and soilwhen the lucrative gold mine ceases

operations. They have not been ade-

quately involved in the companys mine

closure planning and question the com-

panys long-term commitment to moni-

toring the site for water contamination.

Communities affected by extractive pro-

jects from the Niger Delta to Guatemala

are taking their message to theshareholders of companies in theNetherlands and Canada: no decisions

about them without them.

Investigate - All three companies are recipients of invest-ments made on your behalf by the Canada Pension Plan In-

vestment Board or most private pension funds or mutual funds

youre invested in. Amnesty is urging its members to findout which companies their money is being invested in on their behalf. Many fundmanagers are surprised to learn there are human rights concerns related to some of these companies.

Send an email to [email protected] for support or background information.

Host Amnesty International Canada has produced a photo exhibit about Canadianmining in Central America and is pleased to offer it to local AI groups this fall. If you are interestedin hosting the exhibit in your community, please fill out the enclosure and mail it to the national of-

fice care of the Business and Human Rights team.

What you can do

During the Community Consultation in Good Faith on Mining Exploration

and Exploitation, held on August 11th, 2007, in Nentn, Huehu-

etenango, nearly all of the 20,000 inhabitants of the municipality voted

against the industrial activities in their territories. C. James Rodriguez /

mimundo.org.


8/10

Everyone has the

right to clean, drink-

able water and ade-

quate sanitation.

Canada should stand

up for these rights.

Add your drop to the

bucket!

Write your own mes-sage the Governmentof Canada!

June 11: National mobilization for First Nations Children EducationGive First Nations children the same chance to grow up safely at home, get a good educati

healthy, and proud of their cultures. Encourage children, youth, families, schools and orga

your area to write letters to your MP and the Prime Minister supporting culturally based eq

First Nations children and organize a walk to a mail box in your community. Amnesty is enc

members to participate in this event. For more information see: www.fncaringsociety.com/omatter-too

June 21: National Aboriginal DayCelebrate the cultures and contributions of the First Nations,Inuit a

peoples of Canada at events across the country. Follow the Indigeno

blog at: www.amnesty.ca/blog/

June 26: International Day for Victims of Torture: The theme this year is security and humaMany governments have responded to or exploited heightened concern about terrorism by d

people without the basic safeguards required under international law. Unlawful detention

ple at heightened risk of torture and other ill-treatment. Individual cases will be profiled on

around June 26. Follow the blog at www.amnesty.ca/blog/to find out more.

Summer: Pride Parades: Pride Parades are being held across Canada thissummer. Check out your local events calendars to find out whats happen-

ing in your community. Show up and support human rights!

July 17: Tenth anniversary of the International Criminal Court: On thisday, Amnesty International will highlight the ICCs role in providing justice

and reparation to victims and call on states to make voluntary contribu-

tions to the Trust Fund for Victims of the International Criminal Court. Watch the website f

details in late June.

August 9: International Day of the World's Indigenous PeoplesThe International Day of the Worlds Indigenous People was first procl

the General Assembly in December 1994, to be celebrated every year

first International Decade of the World's Indigenous People (1995 2focus of this years International Day will be Indigenous designs: celeb

ries and cultures, crafting our own future. Follow the blog at www.amnblog/to find out more.

September 13th: The fifth anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous PThis is a day of action in defense of Indigenous Peoples at risk of extinction in Colombia.

Days of Action
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Nationshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inuithttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadahttp://www.trustfundforvictims.org/http://www.trustfundforvictims.org/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inuithttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Nations


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amnesty international schedule info 20120609

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