Osama Bin Laden

Osama Bin Laden's killing raised questions about human rights

On May 1st, 2011, the leader of extremist group al Queda Osama Bin Laden was shot and killed by a small group of Americans in an effort to stop the group.   Bin Laden had been heavily sought after by the American government after the terrorist attacks on 9/11 that he was said to be behind.  

Bin Laden was found hiding in a compound in Pakistan with several family members. 

There was celebration in the United States in response to the actions, as this was a big step for Americans to end terrorism. 

"Justice has been done." - Barack Obama 

But was justice done humanely?  Human rights group Amnesty International is skeptical.  The group asked for a more elaborate explanation for the event of Osama Bin Laden's death.  They inquired about the people in the compound, and where they are now.  

There were 18 people in the compound at the time, and there were five reported deaths, and two injuries 

(of women, one being a wife of Bin Laden's).  Apparently, the two injured women and six children were left in the compound after the deed had been done. 

There is also high speculation over the fact that Bin Laden was unarmed, and was not captured instead of killed. 

“Given that he was not armed, it is not clear how he resisted arrest and whether an attempt was made to capture him rather than kill him.  Amnesty International believes that US forces should have attempted to capture Osama bin Laden alive in order to bring him to trial if he was unarmed and posing no immediate threat.”  -Claudio Cordone 

In my opinion, the United States acted too quickly and violently.  Yes, Osama Bin Laden was responsible for many deaths in the United States and is a leader for many of his fellow anti-American extremists, but fighting violence and terrorism with essentially more violence is not an effective solution. The killing of Osama Bin Laden is likely to cause more problems and more violence.  The United States should have captured Bin Laden, and tried to question him and give him a fair trial, and avoid killing him.  The United States' celebration of justice is also likely to incite anger on Osama's followers.  

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states many times that  everyone has an equal right to be recognized as a person before the law.  As the United States is an active and powerful member of the United Nations, it should adhere to this declaration no matter who they are dealing with in order to promote equal human rights so that other countries will follow in its footsteps. 

Freedom of Speech

Amnesty International is an organization whose goal is to protect people around the world from human rights abuses, and promoting equal human rights for everyone.  Amnesty International adheres to the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights realeased in 1948.

The organization is active around the world, asking for pardon for people who are unfairly oppressed or imprisoned.  Amnesty International is presently working for the release of individuals who were trying to express their opinion.  The organization has been very successful in various countries around the world, with different issues.

In many countries around the world, people do not have freedom of speech.  This includes voicing their opinion about something, trying to create change, opposing to their government's actions, practising or showing their love for a religion, a country, a belief, etc.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights emphasizes freedom of speech, thought, conscience, religion, belief, opinion, and expression.  It states that everyone has the rights to these things, however, Amnesty International must work hard around the world in order for this statement to be adhered.   In 2010, the organization was successful in helping to release people in countries who were imprisoned because they demonstrated their freedom of speech, or need for it.

In 2010, Amnesty International helped release:

• Raul Hernandez, mexican indigenous rights leader, who was held for two years in Guerrero state jail for standing up for the rights of indigenous people in his country. (August 31st) 
• Musaad Abu Fagr, an Egyption blogger who was jailed for nearly three years without a trial for protesting against the demolition of homes in the Sinai Peninsula. (July 13th)
• Yusak Pakage, who had served six years in jail and was convicted to serve four more because he showed his devotion to Papuan independence and protested the Indonesian government. (June 7th) 
• Mohammed al-Odaini, who had served eight years without actually being convicted of a crime (June 26th) 

And many more.

Amnesty International is able to offer so much global aid with the help of donations and volunteers.  For information on what you can do to help this organization, visit What You Can Do  from Amnesty USA's website.

I believe it is important for us to be informed about the human rights issues around the world, but also realize that we are capable of having a say and create change.  Amnesty International is one organization that provides a means for us to help our global neighbours.  We must realize our precious freedom that we have in our country and use it to speak for those who do not have a voice in their own.  We must realize the power of words.