Amnesty International’s Global Round-Up: Latest Human Rights News
(13/12/04)
Zaoui Decision: Security Based On Human Rights
Amnesty International has welcomed the decision of the NZ Supreme Court this afternoon to grant bail to Algerian
refugee, Ahmed Zaoui, and urged the Government to move to restore the credibility of its stated commitment to "create
and sustain a world-leading human rights environment."
"The Crown was clearly unable to justify his continuing imprisonment before the Court, raising once again the
interpretation of 'national security' that enables someone found to be a refugee fleeing persecution to be denied their
right to asylum," said AINZ's executive director, Ced Simpson.
He said that the Government must now move speedily to ensure Mr Zaoui has the fair hearing he has so far been denied
under the security risk certificate process – one meeting the standards established by the European Court of Human
Rights.
"Real security involves adhering to the just rule of law. If the Government is not prepared to have the 'threat to
national security' alleged by the Director of Security tested rigorously in a proper judicial process, with limited
procedural restrictions if absolutely necessary, the Minister of Immigration should withdraw his reliance on the
certificate immediately and allow Mr Zaoui the asylum he seeks."
For further information contact media@amnesty.org.nz
Zimbabwe: NGO Act is an outrageous attack on human rights
Amnesty International is outraged at the enactment of a new law, which bans foreign human rights organizations from
working in Zimbabwe and could be used to close down local human rights groups.
Stop Violence Against Women: Correspondents write features for news.amnesty
Over the coming weeks, news.amnesty will publish a series of feature articles to coincide with the "conflict" phase of
the Stop Violence Against Women campaign.
Women's lives and bodies -- unrecognized casualties of war
Women and girls bear the brunt of armed conflicts fought today both as direct targets and as unrecognized "collateral
damage".
Pakistan: Death penalty for juveniles reintroduced
The recent decision by the Lahore High Court that the Juvenile Justice System Ordinance be revoked so that children can
once again be sentenced to death, is a retrograde step.
Council of Europe: One more chance to enhance the protection of human rights of trafficked persons
Trafficking in human beings is a growing form of slavery which plagues Europe.
China: More activists stand up for human rights, despite risks
mnesty International is releasing a report examining the growing numbers of human rights activists in China, and the
great risks they face in speaking out.