Amnesty: Canada's Connection

Amnesty International was created in 1961 by Peter Benenson, a British Lawyer.  He heard about the imprisonment of two Portuguese men because they made a toast to freedom, and decided that this was not right.  He made his opinions known by publishing articles in his local newspaper, and he quickly gained recognition and support, and gave their help to release the two men.  Amnesty International was then created to liberate and seek pardon for those who have been unfairly imprisoned or oppressed.

History 
Amnesty International is a global organization, and Canada has big role in group.  Amnesty International Canada was created in 1973.  The 1st president: Dr John Humphrey, was one of the main authors of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  In the beginning,  Amnesty International Canada participated in the organization's global Urgent Action Network -  to aid people in danger of torture and/or abuse.

In 1978, two bilingual branches were formed to facilitate communication and open up access  to the organization to more of Canada. From 1986-1987,  Amnesty teamed up with other groups to keep the ban on the death penalty in Canada - this was a success.

Today, medical personnel play an important role: over 100 physicians, health workers help pressure other countries to improve their healthcare systems.
Amnesty Canada has also opened up specific programs to legal proffessionals, faith communities, trade unionists, educators, and artists.

Amnesty International also relies heavily on volunteers, including volunteer "fieldworkers" that go directly to conflicts all around the world to help out.

Youth and Students : Youth and Students are a big parts of Amnesty Canada.
In 1987, a program for youth and students was created.  Now there are 350 groups all over the country with schools, colleges, universities, and communities.
For more information contact youth@amnesty.ca or visit their page: Human Rights Activism for Youth. Here you can learn about how to get involved, news and events, the youth activist toolkit, and get connected with other youth in Canada who are making a difference.

Projects/involvement:

• refugees
• Indigenous peoples
• pushing our canadian corporations to take responsibility to protect rights of people in the countries they are based in
• pushing the government to prioritize and focus on human rights

Today there are 50,000 supporters of Amnesty International in Canada.

Media
Amnesty International also hosts a film festival: Reel Awareness 2010. In 2010, it is toured to Vancouver, Toronto, Victoria, Whitehorse, Castlegar, Kaslo and Nelson.  It screened many documentaries about current human rights issues around the world, including The 10 Conditions of Love

Get Involved 
Visit Amnesty International Canada's home page on more information on how you can help.  Learn about human rights, current issues, and what Amnesty International is working on presently.

Canadian Police criticized: Tyendinaga protests

Recently, Amnesty International has been skeptical of the behaviour of the police involved in the Tyendinaga Mohawk protests.

It was reported that the police took unreasonable measures to disperse the demonstrations, including using snipers and armed police.

The protests have been happening near Belleville, by the people of the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.  Protests include blockades, land occupations and other protests in the "Culbertson Tract".  Protesters were angry that this piece of land was taken from their possession.  The government did not do what they should have by buying back the land, and the issue has been ongoing for years without a solution.
There have been many protests and roadblocks in the past five years caused by the Mohawk people.
 

It was reported that at the protests in June 2007 and April 2008, there were hundreds of police officers sent to control the situation, as well as people from the Tactics and rescue Unit.  This is also known as the sniper squad.


Protesters that were reportedly peaceful were shocked when they saw officers and members of the squad pointing guns.  It was rumoured that a protester had set off a rifle, and the officers drew in case.  The police officers were seemingly trying only to defend others and had no intention to shoot their guns without a need to, but it did surprise the Mohawk protesters and Amnesty International.  It was mainly the use of the sniper squad that raised some eyebrows.  Amnesty International called for an investigation of the events of the protests, but the organization stated that the OPP refused to attend the discussions they asked to have.

In September 1995, there was an incident with in the Stony Point band land reserve: Camp Ipperwash.  It was schedule to be destroyed, and the Stony Point band that lived there was unhappy and tried to stop the destruction.  The government tried to resolve the conflict by promising the aboriginals another reserve, but the conflict went unresolved for years.  During the time that it was due to be destroyed, residents in the Stony Point protested by barricading the government and the destroyers out.  It is unclear what happened after that, but one of the protest leaders, Dudley George was shot by an OPP officer, Kenneth Deane on September 6th 1995.  He did not survive the gunshot.  It was reported that Dudley George was unarmed.  After the officer was convicted and resigned, a change in government, an inquiry, and financial compensation to George's family, the piece of land that was inhabited by the military was returned to the Kettle and Stony Point first Nations.

George Dudley 1993

The result of the inquiry was a peacekeeping policy in Ontario, but Amnesty International was critical:  the policy does not protect protesters from being convicted of crimes, however allows arrest for good or no reason.

Percentage that attended Residential Schools in Canada (15+years)

Statistics Canada, 2001 survey

Although Canada is known for being a peaceful, free country, we have a tainted history of violence and inequality towards the First Nations people.  It is sad that this is the case, because as a country we are generally quite peaceful, but there are still horrifying stories of violence and human rights abuses towards the people that can truly call Canada their home.  It makes me angry that our government was and is this way, and I hope in the future some conflicts will be resolved,  even though we know many cannot.

Human Rights: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Rights

Amnesty International's mandate is all about promoting Human Rights.  It is the violation and abuse of human rights is a big cause of conflict in the past, and today all around the globe.  Amnesty International actively fights for the rights of our local and international neighbours, in many different issues and fields of human rights.   A specific right and present issue I would like to focus on is Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Rights.


It is stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:  "Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this declaration without distinction of any kind."  This includes the right that everyone has to marry and found a family.  Yet today, in many countries, people are denied the right to marry or express their love because of their sexual orientation.


Sexual Orientation:  A person's sexual identity in relation to the gender to which they are attracted; the fact of being heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual. (Web definition)
According to Amnesty International's report of rights on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, "Gender Identity refers  to the complex relationship between sex and gender referring to a person's experience of self expression in relation to social categories of masculinity or femininity (gender).  A person's subjectively felt gender identity may be at variance with their sex or physiological characteristics."  -Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity 


Amnesty International is active in defending people's sexual orientation and gender equality rights.
They aim to:

• Investigate any violations of human rights based on sexuality or gender, and bring those responsible to justice
• outlaw prejudicial judgement based on sexuality or gender 
• legalize same-sex marriage where problems exist and abolish marriage laws based on sexuality and gender 
• maintain protection of those who fight for human rights for freedom of expression of sexuality or gender 

This map shows homosexuality laws around the world, with laws ranging from Same-Sex Marriage legality to Imprisonment or Death Penalty for being homosexual.  

In the United States, there are only six states where gay marriage is legal:  Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire, Washington DC (city).

According to the ILGA Europe, Europe is the most advanced continent in terms of Sexual Orientation and Gender Equality rights.  However, same-sex marriage is only legal in Sweden, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Portugal and Iceland. 

A chart on the Public Agenda shows a long list of countries in which Homosexuality is illegal.  This likely means that the people living within these countries also are denied freedom of gender equality, same-sex marriage, etc.. 

In my opinion, the legality of Same-Sex Marriage in a country truly shows that there is no tolerance for discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.  As stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has the right to marry, so I believe that every person, no matter who they are or who they love, should have the right to marriage.  Legalizing Same-Sex marriage shows equality in a country, as heterosexuals do not have exclusive marriage rights.  Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage will solve many other issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity. 

Follow-up: Egypt

The uprisings in Egypt that happened this year may be over, and Hosni Mubarak was successfully ousted from power, but the protests have left behind many problems that still need solving.  Amnesty International is demanding that victims of violence during the protests are brought to justice.

In early 2011, Egypt began to protest Hosni Mubarak's ruling and demanded democracy.  The authorities and military responded quite violently.  The human rights violations were appalling.  There were over 6000 injured Egyptians, and there were over 840 deaths that occurred over the time of protests.

Violence in Tahrir Square

The Armed Forces Council of Egypt promised a committee that was going to change the Constitution, which the people of Egypt would be allowed to vote on.  This is to create somewhat formed government during the period of time it takes to find a new leader that the country is happy with.  

"This current composition is basically a technocratic government to run the day-to-day affairs, to take care of the security void that has happened, and to also address the issues related to the economy,"  Sameh Shoukry, Egypt's ambassador for the United States.  

Map of Tahrir Square, Egypt 

The country has many issues to solve, including security and economic problems, but Amnesty International believes that the issued that arose from human rights abuses must be resolved immediately. 

The organization has released an extensive report that includes details of what happened during the eighteen days of anti-governmental protests,  and what needs to be done by Egypt's authorities to compensate victims and bring those who violated human rights to justice.  There is a lot being done already: people guilty of violent crimes are being arrested but according to Amnesty International, there are still many victims that are being ignored.  We need to make sure that everyone affected is given truth, pardon and appropriate compensation.  

A monument in Tarhir Square to honour martyrs of the protests 


Financial compensation has already been discussed: the past Prime Minister of Egypt, Ahmed Shafik said that those related to victims that died during the protests would be given 1,500 Egyptian pounds ($250) or a total of 50,000 pounds ($8,400 US).  There is still a lot that has to be said and done for victims of injury, imprisonment, or torture.  


"Families of those who were killed, as well as all those who were seriously injured or subjected to arbitrary detention or torture, including at the hands of the military, should expect that the authorities will prioritize their needs," said Amnesty International. 


Prioritization includes: 

• providing affected families and the people of Egypt the truth about what happened
• provide them with reparation
• bring criminals to justice 

I believe it is extremely important for Amnesty International to release their report to pressure the authorities of Egypt.  They must take responsibility for the atrocities they caused in their country.  They must formerly apologize to their people, and compensate everyone affected in different ways in order to gain trust from the citizens, something the government of Egypt has not seen for 30 years.  Amnesty International's pressure will push Egypt to do the right thing, and this will set an example for other countries experiencing conflict and protests in the Middle East and Northern Africa.  It is also up to our own powerful and fair governments to put international pressure on countries to change their ways.  

Protester in Egypt

Top: Front cover of Amnesty's report: Egypt Rises

360 degree tour

Amnesty International gains recognition through music

Amnesty International has partnered with the Irish rock band U2 during their 360 degrees tour.  Volunteers with Amnesty are asking people for signatures on their international petition to Demand Dignity.

The goal of the Demand Dignity is to put an end to human rights abuses everywhere, which is a cause for poverty.

The tour is going to visit Mexico and the USA and Canada to follow.  It began last August in Europe, and it has travelled to New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Latin america.  The tours have brought massive amounts of signatures, recognition and support to Amnesty's project.
It was reported on April 7th, 2011 that 100,000 signatures were attained thus far.

U2 is a big supporter of Amnesty International's mandate, and has worked with them before in their campaigns.  In 2006, Amnesty awarded U2 with their "Ambassador of Conscience Award."

The main premise of the campaign is to promote equal human rights for everyone around the world, which will lead to less global poverty.  Amnesty International has been giving out signs that read "Justice Against Poverty," distributing information in how people can get involved in solving various global issues, and collecting signatures to Demand Dignity.

The lead singer of U2, Bono, is recognized and highly respected for his charity work.  He is very active in giving and helping people around the globe, and has contact with world leaders to voice his opinion and make change quickly.  He has partnered with other artists including Sting, Peter Gabriel, Lou Reed and Bryan Adams to help Amnesty International in their campaigns after seeing "The Secret Policeman's Ball," a series of performances dedicated to promoting awareness of Amnesty International UK.  He has travelled abroad to help children, and he has even wrote songs about global issues for example: "Silver and Gold" for a project against apartheid. 

Amnesty International is grateful for U2's participation and help with their campaigns and sends out a big thank-you to the band and all of its fans that helped with the campaign at various concerts.

Salil Shetty, Amnesty International's Secretary General, comments on the power music has played in this campaign.  "Music has a unique power.  It brings people together and inspires us to take action.  Over the last 27 years, U2 have encouraged thousands of people to join Amnesty International's quest for dignity, freedom, justice and truth.  By demanding human rights for all, U2 and their fans have shown that we are greater than the sum of our parts and that every individual can help to end human rights abuses."

I believe that music is an excellent tactic for reaching people.  Music is so diverse and powerful, and has the ability to pass through the borders we have made around ourselves.  Music is a universal language that everyone can understand and enjoy in different ways.  I hope that our global issues can be solved more peaceful ways such as this in the future, and that we realize which problem-solving tactics are more effective.

On May 30th, 2011, Amnesty International celebrated their 50th Anniversary.  U2 wished them a happy Happy Birthday at the concert.