PETITION DRIVE: Amnesty International wants justice for all
By Marla Buchanan
To date, approximately 337 signatures have been collected on campus, on petitions to aid prisoners of conscience in various countries, including the mid-east. These signatures were obtained during Women’s History Month activities, in March, and during the local Amnesty International chapter’s T-shirt fundraiser earlier this month.
According to the IVCC chapter advisor, Merri Mattison, "Amnesty International neither supports or opposes the war in Afghanistan." She went on to say that AI chapters are about "education of folks regarding human rights, how they can get involved, and petitioning the President to get involved."
President George W. Bush recently sent a reply to IVCC’s AI chapter:
"Dear Friends, Thank you for sending me a copy of your organization’s petition. I appreciate hearing from Americans across the country, and I value your input. Best Wishes. Sincerely, George W. Bush"
"Justice for all"--not injustice is what AI is all about. According to their official website, AI is concerned about "ensuring the reconstruction of an Afghanistan that respects human rights."
It went on to say, "including the rights of women; seeking justice for all, including humane treatment of detainees, fair trials and respect for human rights standards; raising awareness of the connection between respecting human rights and promoting personal and national security."
Mattison added that there is a "big push for human rights [by AI members], collecting signatures on petitions for political prisoners, or prisoners of conscience, and letter campaigns."
According to the organization’s literature, "Thousands of people are in prison because of their beliefs. Many are held without charge or trial. Torture and the death penalty are widespread. In many countries men, women and children have been ‘disappeared’ after being taken into official custody.
"Others have been killed without any pretense of legality. These human rights violations occur in countries of widely differing ideologies. Amnesty International is a worldwide, grassroots movement that promotes and defends human rights."
To join or to obtain more information, contact Merri Mattison, office D-310, or phone: ext. 281 (224-0281). You may also call 1-800-Amnesty, or visit their website: www.amnestyusa.org