DEMAND A CEASEFIRE!
We are witnessing horror unfolding on an unimaginable scale in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.   The unparalleled escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hamas and other armed groups has taken a devastating toll on civilians. The level of casualties is unprecedented. Countless lives have been shattered, ripped apart, and upended.   Amnesty International continues to closely monitor the human rights and humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023.   Information, news and ways to take action
TAKE ACTION DURING THE 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
  Join Amnesty International Canada in taking action during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence that starts on November 25, the International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women , and runs through to December 10, International Human Rights Day.    16 Days Guest Blog Series Join us from November 25th to December 10th , to celebrate the stories, struggles and activism of Indigenous, Black and racialized women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ activists, defenders and community organizers from across the Americas.    We are thrilled to share the following guest essays during the #16Days that make visible the perspectives of Indigenous, Black, and racialized women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ defenders and community activists across the Americas. The links to these guest blogs will become available as we publish them throughout the 16 Days: In Guatemala, women are under attack. Maya Kaqchikel lawyer and human rights defender Wendy Geraldina López Rosales reflects on gendered and racialized attacks on Indigenous women land defenders and justice workers in Guatemala.  Breaking the Silence: Transnational Advocacy and Gendered Violence in Afghanistan by Shabnam Salehi who writes about the lived experiences of Afghan women defenders in exile in Canada and the importance of transnational advocacy in the struggle against gender apartheid in Afghanistan. Stories of Water by Black Colombian community leader and water defender Yuvelis Morales, of the Colombia Free from Fracking Alliance. This personal reflection examines how Climate Justice, Gender Justice and Racial Justice are intertwined.  The Hidden Figures of #EndKiwiFarms by Liz Fong- Jones. Liz shares her personal and professional insights and struggles with transphobia, anti-2SLGBTQQIA+ hate and extremism in online spaces.  On the frontlines: Defending the territory of Indigenous lands and Indigenous women’s bodies in northern Mexico by Mariana Villarreal, Coordinator of the Network in Defense of Indigenous Territories of the Sierra Tarahumara (REDETI). Mariana’s guest essay focuses on the experiences of Indigenous women defending lands, forests, water and Indigenous rights in Chuihuahua.  Gendered Impacts of Resource Extraction by land and water defender and Tiny House Warrior Kanahus Manuel (Secwépemc Nation). Kanahus reflects on the impact of resource extraction, colonial expropriation and gendered and racialized violence on Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ defenders.  It is vitally important to listen to what these leaders want to tell us and learn from their wisdom!   READ MORE
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR):  75th anniversary on December 10th, 2023
  “We should celebrate the UDHR […] because of all those who have disrupted history with it.” For organizations like Amnesty International who are committed to protecting and fighting for human rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights acts as a guiding inspiration for our mission and vision.   Seventy-five years ago, the United Nations set out a vision for a set of universal human rights principles shared across countries and cultures: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Based on this foundation, in the last 75 years, the international community has agreed on a comprehensive international human rights law framework and continues to create a growing set of mechanisms and bodies to support states in protecting human rights. Commemoration efforts by member states should fully acknowledge this advancement and strongly condemn and counter any efforts to turn the clock back on this progress.   The 75th anniversary of the UDHR provides an opportunity to reflect on, and reinvigorate and recommit to these founding principles. The anniversary should not only be an occasion for a celebration of these principles but also be an opportunity for concrete action to address the many outstanding challenges that remain in fully realizing the values that underpin the UDHR. READ MORE
TORONTO WRITES FOR RIGHTS!
Write for Rights 2023 is here!  It’s the world’s largest human rights event, marked each year on International Human Rights Day. We in the GTA will be joining Amnesty supporters in over 170 countries to support 10 individuals or groups (including one in Canada). They need massive pressure from us to protect them from the most serious violations of their human rights. We’ll be writing to the governments responsible for upholding those rights. And we’ll be sending greetings to the individuals and groups themselves. Solidarity and hope: what special gifts we can deliver!   Let’s write together. Drop into the Centre for Social Innovation at 720 Bathurst (just south of the Bathurst subway station) any time between 11:30am and 5:30pm on Saturday, December 9. We’ll have pens, paper and cards waiting for you. Refreshments and Amnesty merchandise? Of course!   Accessibility needs or questions? Contact marilynjmckim@gmail.com / 416 699 7100.   Can’t join us on December 9? Head to https://amnesty.ca/write-for-rights/ any time before the end of January. We guarantee that participating will be a solid antidote to the dark news from so many areas of our world.  
THE MATCHSTICK VOLUME 003 IS OUT!!!
  The Matchstick Arts and Human Rights ‘zine for youth by youth Volume 003 is now published and it features visual arts pieces, poetry, prose, music and interviews all centering around the theme: Transcending Trauma: Challenging Colonialism.    CHECK VOLUME 003
AITO MONTHLY MEETING
Calling all Amnesty volunteers!  The monthly AITO meeting is a terrific way to learn about the various activities in which Amnesty International volunteers participate.     All groups, teams and networks are encouraged to attend to share a report on your plans and activities.  For new members and volunteers, there are many learning opportunities and it is a great way to discover how the organization works and how you can become more involved.   Please note there is no AITO meeting in December.  The next meeting is Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 7:00pm at the Amnesty International office in Toronto (1992 Yonge Street, just north of Davisville subway station).    We wish you all a safe and healthy holiday season and look forward to seeing you in the New Year!