Sunday, April 29, 2007

Torture Awareness Month is Almost Here!

I had the opportunity to meet the new Denounce Torture Program Manager while I was at Amnesty’s DC office last Friday. As you may know, June 26th is the annual United Nations Day in Support of Torture Victims and Survivors. Last June, Amnesty joined with a broad coalition of organizations to mobilize support for the Torture Outsourcing Prevention Act.

Since then, Congress has passed the Military Commissions Act of 2006. This law contains provisions that directly and indirectly undermine the right to physical, mental, and emotional integrity of the person (protection against torture), such as

-the elimination of habeas corpus appeals for all so-called “enemy combatants”
-the admissibility of evidence obtained through cruel and inhuman interrogation methods
-impunity for those who have committed or authorized torture.

It is therefore extremely urgent for Amnesty, its supporters, and other organizations to make our voices heard this June. Please check back here for more information as soon as it becomes available.

If you are part of a student chapter, please make plans to stay connected after the school year ends so that you can take part in this important mobilization.

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