YOU CAN HELP HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS IN NEED. WHENEVER. WHEREVER.
Did you know: Since 2015, more than 150 people have been investigated or prosecuted in Europe for offering help to migrants? Just like the Iuventa, a crew of 10 who stand trial for rescuing thousands of refugees from drowning in the Mediteranian ocean.
The Global Emergency Fund provides legal aid to support brave human rights defenders like those who are being criminalised for saving lives in the Mediterranean Sea.
It is unjust and inhumane to threaten imprisonment for saving lives, however this is what is happening in Europe where rescuers are regularly targeted through smear campaigns and criminal investigations. Rescue boats belonging to NGOs have been blocked in ports or impounded, leaving fewer boats available to save people from drowning.
The Iuventa – crewed by a group of young, everyday people – chose to be eyewitnesses, reporters, and to save lives in the Central Mediterranean. But now some of the crew face 20years in prison and huge fines, for saving more than 14,000 migrants who were at risk of drowning off the coast of Libya.
You can ensure that everyday people like The luventa crew are free and safe to defend the fundamental human rights of others. Your gift can provide rapid legal protection for those who put their lives on the line for challenging injustice.
THE RESCUE AT WORK
With reports of scores of unlawful killings and torture, Zayn* and his family had to flee their country.
Zayn, a Tanzanian investigative journalist, started reporting and campaigning on human rights issues after the human rights situation in Tanzania escalated in the aftermath of the 2020 elections.
The Tanzanian government harassed Zayn’s family, interrogating his wife as to his whereabouts, and arresting his father who subsequently suffered a stroke and died. His wife, children and other loved ones have fled the country in fear.
Amnesty International secretly relocated Zayn’s wife and children out of the country. The Global Emergency Fund provided the resources to cover items like their transport, food and accommodation costs, and enabled communication with Zayn. The family has lived apart for more than a year now, but are hopeful that Zayn will be granted asylum and they will soon be reunited.
Your donation today can ensure that Amnesty International can continue to help families just like Zayn's, please make a donation today!
*Name has been changed and some details omitted to protect the individual and his family.
WHAT IS THE GLOBAL EMERGENCY FUND?
Amnesty International’s Global Emergency Fund is held in reserve to provide life-saving relief to those whose human rights are in danger. It serves to protect human rights defenders under attack including peaceful protestors, journalists, lawyers, activists and those working with human rights organisations so they can continue their vital work exposing human rights abuses without fear of retribution.
The fund has operated in secret for years, but the spike in attacks on human rights defenders is putting ever-increasing pressure on reserves, and that’s why we’re sharing it with you today.
With your support we can continue this important work. We can continue to provide urgent assistance in critical situations to people courageously challenging injustice around the world. Please donate today!
100% FUNDED BY YOU
Governments are afraid of us because we are 100% independent and unstoppable. For the people, by the people.
Amnesty doesn’t accept funding from governments or political organisations so they have zero leverage on what we do.
This financial independence means we’re free to campaign with objectivity and impartiality and to defend human rights worldwide.
All donations of $2 and over are tax deductible in Australia. Please make a donation now and help human rights defenders around the world.
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