Tuesday, February 06, 2007

AI: Call for independent review of anti-terror laws

A suite of anti-terror legislation has been introduced in Australia which violates human rights standards, creates potential for discrimination and increases the risk of innocent people being prosecuted.

Take action: Amnesty International believes that while governments have a responsibility to address the threat of terrorism, they must ensure that our human rights are protected.

Take action: Please write to your local Federal Member of Parliament calling for an independent review of Australia's anti-terror laws.

Australian Muslims feel under siege

Anti-terror laws in Australia undermine human rights and are generating high levels of community concern, according to a national survey conducted for Amnesty International in 2006.

This concern is perhaps most strongly felt in Australia's Muslim community. The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission's 2006 Annual Report links terrorism and national security measures with a rising tide of suspicion and fear directed at Australia's Arab and Muslim communities.

Terror and counter-terror

The Amnesty International report Terror and Counter-Terror: Defending our human rights presents compelling evidence of human rights abuses committed in the context of counter-terrorism measures. The report also demonstrates the power of community action.

English and Arabic versions of the report are available at the AI website.

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