The Beagle Editor, The recently published Amnesty International’s 2016 Annual Report makes for very distressing reading. As long term members of Amnesty International, an organisation devoted to addressing human rights violations around the world, we used to be proud of Australia’s human rights record. It gave us a strong platform to write to world leaders to highlight abuses in their own countries because we were certain we were citizens of a country with a strong humanitarian record.
We were ashamed to see the list of serious human rights abuses that took place in our own country that are highlighted in the report.
The abuse of children in prisons, and the fact that Aboriginal kids are 24 times more likely to be separated from their families and communities in prison is unacceptable. Similarly, the trauma faced by children, families, and vulnerable people in Australia’s offshore detention centres must end.
In this climate of fear and uncertainty, it is now more necessary than ever to show our support for human rights for all, in Australia and internationally. Writing a letter can save a life and we would encourage everyone to come along to our Amnesty meetings or take action from home.
Helen Kay and Sandra Jacobsen
South Coast Amnesty group
Founded in 2012 the Amnesty International Australia South Coast Action Group are members of the Non Governmental Organisation (NGO)- AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL AUSTRALIA. The group is committed to promoting human rights.
