Amnesty International

Joseph_Botwinick · Dec 24, 2004

So, Are you a politician?

Joseph Botwinick

Daisy · Dec 28, 2004

Originally posted by just-want-peace:
OK, so I'm one who has very little knowledge of AI; clue me in!
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Link to FAQ for AI

I've heard of the AI (least I think it was AI) stance on the prisoners at Guantanamo, & what I heard was pretty nit-picking. Now I've heard nothing re: the problems in Sudan, China, or any of the truly dictatorship societies.

Have I just overlooked them? If so, please point me to the info. I am certainly open to correction if it's just my oversight.
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I'd have to say yes, you have just overlooked them. Link to 2004 Report on China, Link to index of 396 other articles & reports about China, Link to 2004 Report on Sudan, Link to index of 296 articles & reports on Sudan, Link to latest report on Sudan, entitled Darfur: What hope for the future? Civilians in urgent need of protection and Link to search on Region, Sub-Region, Country or dictatorship societies of choice.

What do they (AI) do/say to repressive gov'ts to halt any abuses? Is there any follow up to ascertain compliance? (Beyond any "official" statements that all's well, of course.) Also, what constitutes "HUMAN RIGHTS " abuses?
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Mainly publicity, persistent lobbying and embarassment. From their FAQ page:

How does Amnesty International carry out its work?

Whenever Amnesty International establishes that action is needed to protect people whose rights have been abused, it mobilizes its membership.

We search out the facts. We send experts to talk with victims, observe trials and interview local human rights activists and officials. We monitor thousands of media outlets and maintain contact with reliable sources of information all over the world. Our research is carried out by expert staff, supported by specialists in a range of fields such as international law, media and technology. We publish detailed reports. We inform the news media. We publicize our concerns in leaflets, posters, advertisements, newsletters and websites.

Our members, supporters and staff around the world mobilize the public to put pressure on governments and others with influence to stop the abuses. Activities range from public demonstrations to letter writing, from human rights education to fundraising concerts, from targeted appeals on behalf of a single individual to global campaigns on a specific country or issue, from approaches to local authorities to lobbying at intergovernmental organizations.

Amnesty International’s worldwide network generates thousands of appeal letters on behalf of individuals and communities at risk. If urgent action is needed to save lives, volunteers around the world are alerted and letters, faxes and e mails are sent within hours. When a large scale human rights crisis occurs, our members are quickly mobilized in a global campaign. Sometimes our members “adopt” specific individuals and issues — if necessary, for years — seeking freedom for prisoners of conscience or working to abolish the death penalty in specific countries.

Amnesty International supports programs that help people learn about human rights and how to defend them. We develop materials for use in schools, organize teacher training programs and encourage training programs for government officials and security personnel. Amnesty International presses governments to ratify and abide by international human rights treaties and to strengthen international human rights standards.
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"Also, what constitutes "HUMAN RIGHTS " abuses?"
That which violates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, some of which are: torture, slavery, "disappearances", detention without a trial, property confiscation, extrajudicial executions, coerced marriages and coerced abortions, state-sanctioned rape, among other things.

Link to full text of UDHR.

Basically what I'm saying is that, absent any conflicting info, I have to agree with Joseph that the whole AI concept is more feel good that substantive.

What is there to "convince" a dictator to acknowledge "rights"; why should he pay any attention to AI?

If the best they can do is point out some "alleged" violations primarily because they can, when the subject prisoners are getting better treatment than they would in their own country, then I have to wonder what their (AI's) real purpose and/or effectiveness is.

Like I said, I'm not that familiar with this org., but if you can point me to some REAL good that they have accomplished in repressive gov'ts, then I'm open to a mind shift!

Till then, it's no more than an anti-USA, liberal, feel-good, fuzzy warm, that that has no basis in practicality; IMHO
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So you're saying that absent any real knowledge, your default position is that the organization is anti-USA? After you read up on AI, criticize it all you like. IMhO, it is a fine and necessary organization.

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