Press releases

South Korea: Deportation of two senior officials of the Migrants’ Trade Union - 15 May 2008

Amnesty International deeply regrets the deportation of Torna Limbu and Abdus Sabur from South Korea today.

Europe: Lesbians and gay men march with pride to end prejudice - 15 May 2008

Amnesty International calls on governments in Europe to secure the right of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people to celebrate their identity at a series of pride marches and other public events that take place each year between April and November

Uzbekistani Human Rights Defender in prison wins 2008 Martin Ennals Award - 15 May 2008

Mutabar Tadzhibaeva from Uzbekistan is this year's Laureate of the Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders

Zimbabwe: Violence reaches crisis levels; youths forcibly recruited - 15 May 2008

Amnesty International today warned that the violence in Zimbabwe is reaching crisis levels, and revealed that “war veterans” are forcibly recruiting local youths to attack perceived supporters of the opposition MDC (Movement for Democratic Change).

Colombia: Extradition of paramilitary leaders must not lead to closure of investigations into human rights violations - 13 May 2008

The Colombian government's decision to extradite 14 paramilitary leaders wanted in the USA on drugs-trafficking charges should not be used as an excuse to end investigations into the role played by paramilitaries in committing human rights violations against thousands of people, often in collusion with or the acquiescence of the Colombian security forces, Amnesty International said today.

Lebanon: leaders must prevent human rights abuses - 13 May 2008

All political leaders in Lebanon must clearly instruct their supporters to fully respect human rights and to refrain from recklessly carrying out attacks in heavily-populated areas that endanger civilians uninvolved in the clashes, Amnesty International said today.

Nepal: Overturning the Legacy of War - priorities for effective human rights protection - 12 May 2008

As Nepal's new Constituent Assembly (CA) members prepare to take their seats following the 10 April elections and with the formation of a coalition government expected within weeks, Amnesty International calls on the CA members to fulfil their election pledges to build a “New Nepal”, seizing the historic opportunity to place human rights protection at the heart of their work.

Myanmar: Cyclone relief -- Asian governments must insist on swift action - 12 May 2008

Leaders of Amnesty International in Asia Pacific, meeting in Hong Kong, called on their governments to use every means possible to pressure the Myanmar authorities to focus on disaster relief and facilitate international assistance to protect the rights to life, food and health of its citizens.

Myanmar: Constitutional referendum flouts human rights - 9 May 2008

Despite the devastating consequences of Cyclone Nargis, which killed tens of thousands of people and displaced nearly a million more, Myanmar’s government has announced that it will proceed with its plans for holding a national referendum regarding a new constitution on May 10.

Morocco / Western Sahara: Investigate migrants’ deaths - 8 May 2008

Amnesty International today called on the Moroccan government to immediately open a comprehensive, independent and impartial investigation into claims that at least 28 migrants drowned at sea after their boat was jostled and punctured by members of the Moroccan security forces.