UDHR60
2008 marks the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The momentous vision of justice and dignity initially recognized by governments, has today become the common goal of people everywhere; fought for tirelessly by human rights defenders.
Stop Violence Against Women
The Amnesty International Report 2008 shows how failure of leadership has betrayed the promise of the Declaration for at least half the world’s population – women. It documents, for example, at least 23 countries with laws specifically discriminating against women. As well as countless others where discrimination is embedded into every day life.
Living in Dignity
Millions of people around the world lack access to the resources, security and the autonomy needed to live with dignity. Universal human dignity can only become a reality through respect for human rights. The Amnesty International Report 2008 reveals a world where human rights violations continue to drive and deepen poverty.
Counter Terror With Justice
At the end of 2007, the US authorities continued to hold 270 people in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Earlier that year in July, President Bush re-authorized a Central Intelligence Agency programme of secret detention and interrogation.
Human Right defenders
Charles Mvogo and Shimpe Poungou Zok were shot dead in Cameroon by a security officer, at the age of just 17 and 15. They were involved in a demonstration against power cuts at their school, illustrating the bravery of – but also the stark dangers faced by – all the human rights defenders who stood up to protect the rights of individuals in their communities in 2007.
People Under Fire
In Iraq on 14 August 2007, more than 400 people were killed and at least 300 injured by four suicide bombers who blew up fuel tanks in villages mostly inhabited by members of the minority Yezidi religious sect. Many children were among the victims.
Death Penalty
The death penalty has no place in a modern criminal justice system. It violates the right to life; and the right not to be subjected to any cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment. Despite this, at least 1,252 people were known to be executed by the state in 24 countries during 2007. The true figure was certainly higher.