On Wednesday, May 28, the London-based human rights watchdog known as Amnesty International has released the a report that while the United Nations has adopted and implemented the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), countries still mistreat their people.
Amnesty International has cited the chaos in Africa, what was going on in Gaza, Iraq, and Burma. The group said that these areas needed immediate action.
In Africa, there are still the issues of Darfur and Zimbabwe. These are two issues that could possibly affect China as it sets to host the 2008 Summer Olympics this August. China has been under international pressure to do more to end the violence in Darfur.
New Mexico governor and former Democratic presidential hopeful Bill Richardson explained back in 2007’s CNN Democratic Debate that China was the number one buyer of oil from Sudan. Several months ago, Hollywood director Steven Spielberg resigned from his position as a creative adviser to the games because of Darfur.
There has been chaos in the midst of the elections in Zimbabwe. A run-off election is set for this coming June. The election results have caused chaos throughout the country. Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has remained defiant towards the international backlash.
Several months ago, Amnesty International and the International Red Cross had released individual reports detailing the humanitarian crisis that has taken place in Iraq. Pope Benedict XVI of the Vatican even talked about the humanitarian crisis as well. Iraq has been the main platform for presumed GOP nominee Senator John McCain of Arizona. McCain said that Iraq will either make or break his campaign.
Recently, Myanmar has “passed” its referendum on the constitution. Critics called it a sham because it lets the military remain in control. The junta has also been criticized for its slow reaction of getting aid to the victims of Cyclone Nargis. Recently, the junta has decided to extend the house arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi. The junta has remained defiant to the international backlash.
Irene Khan, the secretary general of Amnesty International accuses the world leaders of failing to take action. Khan said in a statement: “As Iraq and Afghanistan show, human rights problems are not isolated tragedies, but are like viruses than can infect and spread rapidly, endangering all of us.”
In the report, Amnesty International blasted Russia, China, and the United States. It also had criticism towards the European Union (EU). Recently at the Hay Festival in Wales, former US President Jimmy Carter has made what could possibly another unpopular and controversial move. Carter had called forth to the EU to split from the US and lift the embargo on Gaza.
Amnesty International also urged the US to close down Guantanamo Bay and other “secret detainment centers.” The US government has yet to comment.
The group said that China needs to owe up to its promises in regards to human rights. Recently, China made the promises in regards to the Olympics that are set to take place in its capital of Beijing.
In regards to Russia, Amnesty International said Russia needs to be more tolerant of political dissent. It also urged Russia to condemn the abuses of human rights in Chechnya.
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