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.