Archive for the ‘Amnesty International UK’ Category

Amnesty International UK has launched a gritty online short film which shows activists preventing a torture victim from any further abuse. The 90 second film, ‘Defy Them’, shows a person being ‘waterboarded’, the method of torture where a captive is repeatedly held underwater whilst wearing a blindfold. This was said to be used in Guantánamo Bay to make the Al Queda prisoners talk and is a truely horrific act.

The film then goes on to reveal the torturers losing control of their hands, as imaginary Amnesty International supporters appear from behind them to stop any more pain being inflicted.

Some viewers may find this film disturbing.

> > Click here to watch ‘Defy ‘Them’ short film

Amnesty International UK Campaigns Director, Tim Hancock, said -

Torture is never justified. No cause ever ‘justifies’ torture. Torture inflicts pain and suffering on its victims, degrades any society that allows it to happen and actually often yields nothing of value to the torturers anyway. We want people to watch this brilliant new film and go away with the feeling that torture is unquestionably wrong, and they can do something to stamp it out. We can all do something to help stop torture, whether it’s signing a petition, sending a letter to our MP or by joining Amnesty International.

The ‘Defy Them’ film was created by Australian advertising agency WCRS, one of several recently produced short films released by Amnesty International to highlight the reality of torture around the world.

> > Click here to sign up to Amnesty International

The 10th December 2008 will mark the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). In the UDHR, the United Nations stated in clear and simple terms the rights that belong equally to each and everyone of us.

Amnesty International UK campaigns across the world for these rights to be upheld and observed. Since 1961, they have campaigned for thousands of individuals whose human rights have been violated. One such person is Yang Chunlin, who was tortured and imprisoned for simply standing up for the rights of others. Amnesty International is campaigning for his release and to stop the use of torture.

>> You can help by registering your support with Amnesty today.

This weekend sees Amnesty International UK‘s Secret Policeman’s Ball 2008, showing in London’s Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 4th October. Here’s a great clip featuring Russell Brand from last years show -

The show will be broadcast on Channel 4 on following night at 5th 9pm, and will feature some of the most cutting edge comedic and musical talents. The show will also highlight some of Amnesty International’s campaigning activities for human rights all over the world.

This specific edition of the Secret Policeman’s Ball will also mark the start of Amnesty International’s celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in December.

> > click here to make a donation to Amnesty International

> > click here to find out more about the work of Amnesty International