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The International Secretariat media unit is available to respond to all media queries – click here for contact details.
The media unit organises events to launch Amnesty International reports, produces material for the media on Amnesty International's position and concerns relating to key human rights issues, works in partnership with our colleagues in national sections around the world and provides spokespeople for interview on both our work and for comment on other news stories with a human rights angle.
Read latest press releases below or search the archive for past material.
Press Releases
Kenya: Post-election violence suspects must be brought to justice - 6 November 2009
The Kenyan government has failed to implement a fair and credible judicial process to try those accused of carrying out human rights violations, including possible crimes against humanity, during last year’s post-election violence, said Amnesty International.
Amnesty International voiced its dismay at the process following a statement issued yesterday by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) that he will seek to open an investigation into post-election violence in Kenya.
“The Kenyan government has left the ICC no option but to open an investigation by its failure to do so itself,” said Godfrey Odongo, Amnesty International’s East Africa researcher.
“Kenya has failed to define the crimes against humanity committed by members of all parties during the elections last year as crimes under national law. By doing so, it has opened the door to an ICC investigation and prosecution.”
Turkey: No to safe haven for fugitive from international justice - 6 November 2009
Amnesty International today condemned an invitation extended by Turkey to Sudanese President Omar al Bashir to attend a meeting in Turkey, even though he is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanityEurope: Governments to act on human rights 20 years after the Berlin Wall - 6 November 2009
Twenty years after the fall of the Berlin wall, European governments must act urgently to tackle human rights abuses against migrants, asylum seekers, detainees and minoritiesNicaragua: Constitutional Court must decide on legality of new abortion law - 6 November 2009
Amnesty International today expressed concern that the Nicaraguan Supreme Court continues to delay its judgment on the legality of new criminal laws on abortion which entered into force in 2008.
The Court was due to issue a judgment in May 2009 on the constitutionality of a complete ban on abortion, even when the life of the woman or girl is at risk and when the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest.
“As long as this total ban is in place, victims of rape and incest – some of them still children themselves – are compelled to bear children,” said Kerrie Howard
“Pregnant women and girls are being denied life saving medical treatment and medical professionals are criminalized for doing their jobs."
“The lives of many women and girls depend on the Court’s decision,” said Kerrie Howard
“We are very concerned at the lack of certainty and that the Court continues to delay its ruling.” Justice delayed is justice denied. Women are dying in Nicaragua because the Court has failed to uphold the human rights of women.
Since the ban was first put in place four United Nations treaty expert committees have informed the Nicaraguan government that such a ban places it in breach of its obligations to protect women and girl’s human rights.
