11/18: Native American Women's Rights

This coming week we will be discussing the disproportionate incidence of rape and other violence among Native American women. Native American and Alaska Native women are more than 2.5 times more likely to be raped or sexually assaulted than other women in the United States in general. A complex maze of tribal, state and federal jurisdictions allows perpetrators to rape with impunity and in some cases even encourages assaults.

Join us to learn more about this very serious issue, and help us take action by pressuring the Acting Indian Health Services Director to protect the rights of Native American & Alaska Native survivors of sexual assault.

We will also be doing some crafts for victims of violence and abuse in the spirit of the coming Thanksgiving holiday! :)

Meeting Tuesday 5:30pm Sanford Hall

Also join us this Thursday at International Student Life (ISL) Worldfest on Tate Plaza all afternoon. We'll have petitions and lots of info so stop by!

Zach

11/11: LGBT Rights + Planning Session!

Thanks to everyone who came out and supported our demonstration against Guantanamo on the eve of the election! The petition campaign was successful and we certainly made a visual impact.

This week we will be doing an action on LGBT rights. Members of Lambda Alliance will also be joining us for the meeting and action.

***At this Wednesday's planning meeting we are discussing long term strategy with the goal of making our activism stronger on campus. EVERYONE who is interested in participating in Amnesty activities on campus should attend to make their voice and ideas heard. This is a great chance to shape how our group on campus works, so please take this opportunity seriously.***

NOTE: Wednesday's meeting is scheduled for 8:00pm.

CLOSE GUANTANAMO Demonstration

As part of Amnesty's national Counter Terror with Justice campaign we will be demonstrating for the closure of the detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay this coming Monday, NOVEMBER 3rd at Tate Plaza from 10-3.

We will have lots of information available, plus some members of Amnesty and other concerned students will be wearing orange jumpsuits and hoods to give the demonstration visual punch. Petitions will be available, too!

Please consider joining us in solidarity for this event as we strive to ensure human rights don't get lost in the shuffle of the election the following day. Amnesty wants to make certain that human rights remain a priority for the United States Government. To demonstrate that commitment our newly elected leaders need to see our outrage and concern about Guantanamo because it is above all the poster-child of the USG's abusive and illegal conduct during the ongoing War on Terror.

To participate or help in any way, please contact Zach at zach.l.fox@gmail.com or Nima at nimapt@gmail.com by the evening of Sunday, November 2nd. Or, just show up the day of and get involved!

HELP US SHUT IT DOWN!

Zach

This week we will be hosting a screening of Taxi to the Dark Side (2007, 106 minutes), a revealing documentary exploring the use of torture and extraordinary rendition by or at the behest of the American government during the ongoing War on Terror. The film includes some of the earliest images of Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan and details the beating death of an Afghan taxi driver in American custody there. It also explores CIA techniques, Congressional debates over torture, and the impact of pop culture on attitudes about torture. Taxi to the Dark Side won the 2007 Academy Award for Best Feature Documentary.

Join us on WEDNESDAY October 29th at 8:15pm in SLC 214. NOTE: The screening will be replacing our regularly scheduled Tuesday letter-writing meetings.

This event is BLUE CARD.

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We are extremely happy to announce that we will not be holding a candlelight vigil for Troy Davis on Monday because the 11th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals in Atlanta granted him another stay Friday morning. Stay tuned, or check gfadp.org or amnestyusa.org, for the latest news concerning the case.

This coming weekend we are headed to Memphis for the Southern Regional Conference. Updates and news from the conference will be posted next Sunday evening.

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REMINDER: Join us on NOVEMBER 3rd at Tate Plaza for a demonstration against Guantanamo Bay. We'll have plenty of information and some petitions, in addition to jumpsuits!

Zach Fox

URGENT: Troy Davis Demonstration in Athens!

As many of you know, Troy Davis' last appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court was denied last week, clearing the way for his execution. The date has been set by the State for October 27, next Monday. Please join us for a rally TOMORROW night, October 23rd from 6-7pm on Troy's behalf. We will meet at the Arch a little before 6pm. Guidelines and suggestions for signs and posters can be found at www.gfadp.org.

Please consider joining us for this show of support, and plan on joining us for a vigil Monday night as well.

In solidarity,

Zach

10/21/08: Letter of Support for Guatemalan activists + Troy Davis update

Hey everyone,

Two items to note this week:

This week we will be learning more about human rights violations in Guatemala, including political repression, disappearances, kidnapping, extrajudicial killings, and ethnic cleansing. Many of these abuses occurred during Guatemala's long civil war and were the result of "counter-insurgency" operations by the Guatemalan military. Today many of these abuses continue, although at much lower levels and with less intensity. Furthermore, justice and truth continues to be denied to many victims and their family members due to the structure of the peace accords concluded last decade ending the civil war. Our letters for the week will be addressed to human rights activists working to bring remaining human rights violators to justice, including officials who continue to hold important posts in the Guatemalan government.

We will also be completing new petitions on Troy Davis' behalf. Last Tuesday, October 14th, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Troy's cert petition, clearing the way for his execution. The execution is now scheduled, in all likelihood, for the 27th. We are in a very difficult position, but Troy cannot afford for us to stop advocating on his behalf now. For more information, please go to amnestyusa.org and gfadp.org.

We hope to see everyone Tuesday night at 5:30pm back in our normal room, Sanford 112.

In the next two weeks, we will have two major events focusing on the War on Terror and Amnesty Counter Terror with Justice campaign so please stay tuned for updates.

Zach

10/14/08: LUMO and the rape epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Hey everyone! I hope the weekend treated you well, the weather was beautiful :).

This week we return to the troubled DRC to look at the horrific rape epidemic that has traumatized millions of women in the central African state. We will be screening the documentary LUMO at 5:00pm in SLC 350 -- TAKE NOTE: This is replacing our normal meeting time and place this week only!

From 9-3 on Tuesday you can find us at Tate Plaza tabling and fundraising for the Heal Africa clinic profiled in the film. Stop by to contribute to this immensely worthy cause -- Heal Africa is doing some of the only major surgery and other therapy offered to women in the Kivu regions of the eastern DRC and their work is absolutely vital.

The early deadline to register for the regional conference Oct. 31st-Nov. 2 in Memphis is tonight, Sunday October 12th. If you would still like to attend you can register for additional ten dollars. Please notify an officer immediately if you are planning on attending because we receive a group discount which we can put towards gas and other collective costs.

-Zach

10/7/08: Child Soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Child Soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

This week we will be discussing the extremely serious and tragic issue of child soldier recruitment in the DRC as part of a two week cluster of action on the troubled state. We will be joined by Dr. Stacey Mitchell of the International Affairs department and David Lewis, a representative of Falling Whistles, a new NGO focused on ending the abuse of children in the DRC. To open the meeting we will watch the short film Duty to Protect.

We are also cosponsoring an event at 8pm in Journalism 503 with Invisible Children. David Lewis will expand on the work that Falling Whistles is planning, and we will have letter-writing and/or petition materials there too.

***We will also be taking last calls for anyone interested in attending the Regional Conference in Memphis, TN during Fall Break. Please notify one of the officers ASAP if you would like to attend, and register online yourself through the amnestyusa.org website.***

*****Troy Davis Update*****

Troy was granted a stay of execution from the U.S. Supreme Court less than two hours before his scheduled execution two weeks ago. We are extremely happy that some body has found it appropriate to halt, at least temporarily, this injustice.

The Court has yet to issue a decision on their assessment of Troy's petition and whether his case merits a Supreme Court hearing. The justices will likely issue their decision within the week. Please stay updated on this story by going to gfadp.org or amnestyusa.org.

See you Tuesday!

Zach

9/30/08: Russian Journalists and Human Rights Defenders

This week we'll be discussing the dangers of being a journalist or human rights activist in Russia today. There have been several high profile cases in the western media of journalists (especially investigative journalists) who have been targeted for their work. Some have even been killed, and their deaths have resulted in uninterested and incomplete investigations, much less justice.

We also have news on Troy Davis' case -- last week he received a stay from the U.S. Supreme Court less than two hours before his scheduled execution. The Court reconvened today to decide on whether his case merits a Supreme Court trial -- this afternoon the Court issued a statement saying that no decision on the case will be made until Wednesday. This will void the death warrant in Davis' name, and the state will have to seek a new warrant (with 10 days notice) should the news from the Supreme Court be bad.

*Thanks to everyone who worked so hard on Troy's case -- you made a definite impact that was felt and seen around the world. The fight is not over, but Troy won a small victory last week and again today.*

Zach

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Meetings are in Sanford Hall 112 at 5:30pm Tuesdays, unless otherwise noted.

Troy Davis granted stay of execution!

Earlier this evening, less than two hours before his scheduled execution, Troy Anthony Davis was granted relief by the U.S. Supreme Court. The Court will reconvene Monday to decide whether to hear Davis' case. Everyone can still take action to persuade the Parole Board to grant Troy clemency. If you haven't called, sent a letter, and told all your family and friends about this case, please do so as soon as possible. The outpouring of support for justice and fairness in Troy's case has been tremendous, but he is far from safe and still needs our help.

Please find more information on his case and how you can take action at:

www.amnestyusa.org/troydavis

www.gfadp.org

Week of 9/22/08: Katrina Survivors + Troy Davis Update

Hi everyone,

I hope the weekend was relaxing and enjoyable. We had a good time at the state conference in Macon on Saturday and picked up some new ideas.

This week we will be discussing the plight of Hurricane Katrina survivors within the framework of international human rights norms. It has been 3 years since the destructive storm pushed through Louisiana and the rest of the Gulf Coast; but recent storms, including Ike in Texas, have reminded us that powerful hurricanes and their consequences will continue to be a part of life in the southern United States. One of our members had an opportunity to volunteer in New Orleans after Katrina and will share her experience with us. Actions for the week will be directed to our senators, Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss.

Last Thursday, several members of our UGA group attended a march and prayer vigil for Troy Anthony Davis in downtown Atlanta. Despite the very somber nature of the event, it was well organized and received media attention. Just in the past week, Troy has received new support from former President Jimmy Carter, presumptive Libertarian Presidential candidate Bob Barr, and Nicholas Sarkozy, President of France. President Sarkozy personally phoned Martina Correa, sister of Troy Davis, Friday afternoon. The Reverend Al Sharpton personally visited Troy Friday evening at the state prison in Jackson, Ga. We have received no other news about Troy's execution scheduled for tomorrow night.

Tomorrow night, following our general meeting, we will be participating in a vigil at the arch for Troy. Vigils are held at the arch on Tuesday nights when executions are scheduled in Georgia. They are attended by members of Jubilee Partners, Georgians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, and others from the local community. If you cannot come to our meeting, do try and join us at the arch for the vigil at 6:30pm in the hope that Troy will NOT be executed. If you have not sent an email to the Board of Pardons and Parole in the past week, please do so by going to amnestyusa.org/troydavis.

Zach

Week of 9/15/08: WOZA + Troy Davis update

Hi everyone,

We did receive some really terrible news Friday night: Troy Davis was denied clemency following his hearing with the Georgia Board of Pardons and Parole. Amnesty is gearing up another round of actions to counter this shocking decision by the board. Stay tuned for what we will be doing as part the new action plan. For those interested, the Southern Regional office is quickly organizing another rally and march through downtown Atlanta this Thursday, September 18th at 6:00PM. Right now, we don't have any more details, but please stay tuned on our Facebook page or this blog for any updates.

Tomorrow night we will be discussing on the special focus case for the Southern region: WOZA (Women of Zimbabwe Unite). WOZA is a group of 35,000 women who have peacefully advocated and demonstrated for human rights in their country. They have also spoken out about the worsening social and economic conditions. For their efforts, WOZA members have been intimidated, harassed, and detained. We will be writing letters on their behalf and to the organization directly -- your choice but we recommend doing both!

I hope the weekend treated everyone well -- we pulled a narrow one out in Columbia!

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The Amnesty State Conference in Macon, Ga is THIS SATURDAY, September 20th from 10-4. If you would like to attend and carpool, please let Zach know ASAP (zach.l.fox@gmail.com). The cost is $15, and includes lunch, snacks, materials, and an Amnesty membership for the year (great deal). Again, let us know ASAP if you would like to attend.

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Meetings are Tuesdays 5:30pm in Sanford Hall 112, unless otherwise noted.

Week of 9/8/08: Darfur, the ICC, and International Justice PLUS Troy Davis Update

Thanks to everyone who joined us last week for our action about Iraqi refugees, and also to those who came out for ISL Coffee Hour!

We have two important issues this week. First...

Our third week of action will focus on crimes against humanity being committed in the Darfur region of Sudan. Recently, the International Criminal Court indicted several members of the Sudanese government and leaders of the Janjaweed militias responsible for some of the most serious human rights abuses. Dr. Maurits van der Veen of the International Affairs department will give a brief introduction to the topic, and then we will screen a 2007 Amnesty documentary entitled Justice Without Borders. We hope you'll join us, and try to make it on time to get a seat because this event is Blue Card (we might fill the room!).

We will also have a critical update on the Troy Davis death penalty case here is Georgia.

On September 11th, a rally for deathrow inmate Troy Davis will take place from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Georgia Capitol in Atlanta, GA. He was convicted in Savannah, Georgia for the shooting of a white police officer. Since his conviction 17 years ago, strong evidence of his innocence has surfaced. For example, seven of the nine eyewitnesses have recanted their testimony. Despite that, a tentative execution date has been set for Sept. 23rd - only a few weeks away! The clemency board is Troy's last chance, and he needs our help more than ever.

We will be hosting a screening of At the Death House Door and collecting signatures on Troy's behalf Wednesday, the 10th, at 7:30pm in SLC 148. We will also be tabling earlier on Wednesday at Tate so try to make it out to see us at one or the other.

Please go to amnestyusa.org for more information on how you can help.

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Meetings are Tuesdays 5:30pm in Sanford 112, unless otherwise stated.

Troy Davis receives new execution date!

The State of Georgia is set to execute Troy Anthony Davis on September 23rd, despite strong claims of innocence. Troy has been on death row for 17 years for the murder of an off-duty Savannah police officer, a crime he maintains he never committed. The prosecution of the case is fraught with inconsistencies, witness recantations, and police and prosecutorial misconduct. Nonetheless, Troy has exhausted all of his appeals -- even though his claims of innocence have yet to be heard in a federal court. He still has one appeal pending before the U.S. Supreme Court, but his execution date is before the Supreme Court returns from recess.

Please take immediate action on Troy's behalf! This is extremely urgent and important!

http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/siteapps/advocacy/index.aspx?c=jhKPIXPCIoE&b=2590179&template=x.ascx&action=11223

Week of 9/1/08: Iraqi Refugees

This Tuesday (9/2) we will be discussing the plight of Iraqi refugees who have fled their country as a result of the 2003 Anglo-American invasion. The meeting will begin with a short film from Joshua van Praag about Iraqi refugees in Egypt (Barbara Harrell Bond, a leading academic in refugee studies and founder of the Refugee Studies Program at Oxford, helped supervise the production). We'll conclude the meeting with letters addressed to our senators and representatives.

I hope everyone enjoyed the game this weekend for those who went despite the blast furnace temperature. Have a relaxing Labor Day holiday and Go Dawgs!

Zach
zach.l.fox@gmail.com

Reminder: Letter writing meetings are 5:30pm Tuesdays in Sanford Hall 112.

Week of 8/25/08: China and the Olympics.

Welcome back to another year of Amnesty activities! This week, our first week back, will serve as a introductory meeting. We'll briefly discuss Amnesty's history and how we as a local branch operate, and then kick off the new school year with an action about China, the Olympics, and the Chinese government's broken promises to improve its human rights record. Discussion, as always, will be highly encouraged. Join us afterwords for coffee downtown...or maybe even Last Resort cake!

Reminder: Letter-writing meetings are, for now, Tuesday 5:30pm in Sanford Hall 112.

We hope to see many new faces and some old friends too!

Zach

Listerv

It has come to our attention that many people on our Listserv no longer attend UGA or wish to receive our weekly update. For our sanity (and our inboxes), if you wish to be removed from the Listserv please do so yourself. Follow this link and do it manually -- http://www.listserv.uga.edu/. It takes about 15 seconds :).

Thanks very much!

Zach

Information for the Fall

Hello one and all! Welcome back to Athens and another year of Amnesty activism. Here’s a rundown of information for the fall:

Letter-writing meetings are set for Tuesdays, Sanford Hall 112 at 5:30pm.

Planning meetings are set for Jittery Joes in SLC at 8:30pm Wednesdays, except for this coming week, when the meeting will be held on Thursday at 6:00pm. Stop by to suggest a new action or pitch an idea for an event.

Everyone is welcome to attend both meetings, and we encourage everyone to do so.

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Here is a tentative schedule of upcoming actions, events, meetings, etc. More details are forthcoming:

8/26/08: Introductory meeting about Amnesty and Amnesty at UGA followed by a letter concerning China and the Olympics

9/2/08: A week of events about sexual violence against women…including a meeting on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), an event on sexual violence and kidnappings of young women in Mexico, and a screening of Lumo, a movie about the extreme and very tragic sexual violence against women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

9/9/08: Our first meeting/event of the semester on Troy Davis, with Georgians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (GFADP). Troy is a Georgia death row inmate who has a very strong case of innocence, but he now faces possible execution after exhausting all of his appeals earlier this year; plus a screening of the documentary At the Death House Door.

*Troy’s case will be our most important campaign and highest priority for the foreseeable future due to the nature of his case, our previous work on the death penalty, and the very “local” nature of his case.

9/16/08: An action on Darfur and the continuing crises there, specifically regarding the deployment of a full fledged UN Peacekeeping force to the Darfur region

9/23/08: An action on Iraqi refugees, who number in the millions, their plight, and the dangers of not addressing the needs of this very vulnerable population.

Also…join us for coffee, or cake, or maybe even dinner downtown after meetings this fall to socialize and hang out.

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You can keep up with our events through our List-Serv, but we also have a Google calendar, Facebook group, and our Blogspot site here (www.amnestyuga.blogspot.com) with up-to-date information.

We are hoping to have our old website (located at www.uga.edu/amnesty) replaced with a new site that is current and easier to navigate within the next two weeks – stay tuned for this!

We also still have new T-Shirts available for sale. They are really great shirts, and the design can be seen on our Facebook group. Send Zach Fox an email at zach.l.fox@gmail.com to request a shirt, or just stop by a meeting to get one!

Welcome to a new year of activism!

Thanks to all who are interested in being active with the University of Georgia chapter of Amnesty International. Amnesty International is the world's largest grassroots human rights advocacy group, and one of the oldest -- founded in 1961 in London in support of "prisoners of conscience.' This blog will serve as our website until we can get a new, up-to-date site early in the fall semester 2008. Please join our Facebook group and University ListServ, and subscribe our GoogleCalendar, to stay informed on upcoming meetings, events, and other happenings!

For more information on Amnesty International: www.amnestyusa.org