State of the World's Human Rights 2010

We recently released the Amnesty International Report 2010 documenting human rights abuses around the world. Our findings show how powerful governments are blocking advances in international justice by standing above the law on human rights, shielding allies from criticism and acting only when politically convenient.

This past year, we witnessed a horrific level of violence against civilian populations continuing across the globe, including in Sri Lanka, Iran and Honduras.

Amnesty International's interim Secretary General Claudio Cordone commented that "the need for effective global justice is a key lesson from the past year. Justice provides fairness and truth to those who suffer violations, deters human rights abuses, and ultimately delivers a more stable and secure world".

» Read the Amnesty International Report 2010: State of the World's Human Rights
» Read more about our work to close the global justice gap

Stopping the conflict minerals trade in the DRC

Armed groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are making multimillion-dollar profits from minerals commonly found in our cell phones and other electronics such as coltan, cassiterite, wolframite. These profits fuel a vicious cycle of rape, war and other human rights abuses in eastern Congo.

Right now, the House of Representatives is weighing a piece of legislation that would make it easier to identify imports into the United States that contain these 'conflict minerals'. The list of Representatives who want to stop the dangerous conflict minerals trade is growing, but the bill needs more co-sponsors if we’re going to break the cycle of violence.

» Send an email to your Representatives right now and urge them to co-sponsor the Conflict Minerals Trade Act
» Learn more about conflict minerals in the DRC

Anti-immigration law in Arizona

Arizona's draconian new law, SB1070, requires anyone who the police "reasonably suspect" of being an "illegal immigrant" to produce papers proving they are here legally. If for any reason you don't show documentation, you'll be criminally prosecuted for trespassing, jailed and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to face deportation.

The Arizona law is an assault on the very notion of human rights because a "reasonable suspicion" cannot be formed without resorting to racial profiling.

International law guarantees human rights to all without distinction of race or color.

» Urge your Senator to craft a fair, humane immigration policy that respects human rights
» Read the latest news about immigration reform

Troy's hearing date has been changed!

The new date for Troy's evidentiary hearing is June 23, 2010. Originally, the judge set the hearing date for June 30; however, following requests from lawyers involved, the date was moved to June 23.On his hearing date, Troy will finally be able to present crucial evidence about his case that may prove his innocence.

Troy has nearly been executed three times for a murder he may not have committed. This announcement comes after several months of waiting and is a big opportunity to present new testimony and evidence in a court of law.

Starting now, and leading up to his hearing date, it will make all the difference to Troy to know that we're standing in his corner.

» Pledge to stand with Troy Davis the day before his hearing date - now June 22nd

» Lend your face for justice - add your picture to our photo mosaic of Troy Davis

» Get the latest updates on the Troy Davis case

Prevent maternal deaths

In honor of Mother's Day, we are launching a full-court press to reverse the terrible odds against pregnant women when it comes to maternal health standards.

We are demanding that the Department of Health and Human Services, the principal agency responsible for protecting health in this country, create an Office of Maternal Health to ensure that moms and moms-to-be are getting the care that they deserve.

Maternal death rates in the United States are higher than 40 other countries, despite the fact that we spend more on health care than any other country. Currently, there are few systems in place to analyze problems, propose solutions and improve maternal health standards. But with your help, we can begin to change that!

» Add your name to our petition to create an Office of Maternal Health
» Send our Mother's Day e-card to someone special and help support women's human rights!

"Words" nominated for a Webby Award!

We're proud to announce that our video "The Power of Words" was selected as a final nominee for the 14th Annual Webby Awards!

Cast your votes before April 29th. Then please share "Words" with your friends and family and ask them to cast a vote for Amnesty as well.

We were inspired to create this video because we've seen the incredible impact our supporters can have when they raise their voices to call attention to grave human rights abuses happening worldwide. Prisoners have been freed and lives spared, because your work to protect human rights makes a difference.

A vote for "Words" is a vote for spreading the power of human rights - every vote counts!

» Vote for "Words" in the Public Service & Activism category
» Check out our step-by-step 'How to Vote in the Webby Awards'
» Watch more Amnesty videos on YouTube

Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) released!

The final four members of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) have finally been released from police custody after spending five nights in cells.

In total, 65 members of WOZA were briefly detained in Harare for participating in a peaceful march. But WOZA leaders Jenni Williams, Magodonga Mahlangu and two other organizers remained in custody until the Attorney General's office refused to press charges due to lack of sufficient evidence.

Thank you to everyone who placed calls and sent emails to Zimbabwe officials!

» Read what WOZA had to say about prison conditions in Zimbabwe

» Read more about Women of Zimbabwe Arise