Action Alerts
Participating in Action Alerts is a tangible means of getting involved, mobilizing support and making a difference in the lives of others. We encourage you to stay informed and to help us lobby by responding to Action Alerts which we will publish on this page and through our SKSW listserve.
Iran: Call for Release of Human Rights Lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh
On September 4th, 2010 Nasrin Sotoudeh was arrested and charged with "propaganda against the state" and "conspiracy to disturb order" by Iranian officials and taken to Evin prison. These vaguely worded charges are among several articles in the Islamic Penal Code in Iran relating to “national security” that criminalize the peaceful exercise of rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly. Such provisions have previously been exercised to prosecute lawyers for statements they had made or and activities they had conducted in defence of their clients.
UPDATE: Gambia: Trial of WHRDs Dr. Isatou Touray & Amie Bojang-Sissoho adjourned to 1 December
Update on: Gambia: Isatou Touray and Amie Bojang-Sissoho freed on bail
The International Solidarity Network, (WLUML) and the (VNC), continue to call for the fair trial of two women human rights defenders, WLUML board member, Dr. Isatou Touray, and Ms. Amie Bojang-Sissoho.
Iran: Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani - Update on her latest televised confession
The Global Campaign to Stop Killing and Stoning Women (SKSW) and Women Living Under Muslim Laws (WLUML) are gravely concerned over the recent announcement made by the official Iranian television channel on alleged self-incriminating statements by Sakineh Mohammadi-Ashtiani and several others on state TV last 15 November. We join the rest of the international community in denouncing this latest move by the Iranian authorities which adds more injustice to the case of Sakineh Mohammadi–Ashtiani.
IRAN: The Sakineh Mohammadi-Ashtiani case: another test of Iran's extremely flawed justice system
The Global Campaign to Stop Killing and Stoning Women (SKSW) and Women Living Under Muslim Laws (WLUML) are deeply concerned over the continued denial of human rights in Iran in light of the Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani case. Lack of due process and the right to a fair trial, arbitrary detention, torture, and restrictions of freedom of information, of the press, and of association sadly constitute the status quo in the Islamic Republic.
Gambia: Women's rights defenders Isatou Touray and Amie Bojang-Sissoho arrested and detained without charge
UPDATE: Women’s Human Rights Defenders in the Gambia and WLUML networkers, Dr. Isatou Touray and Ms. Amie Bojang-Sissoho, were freed on the morning of Wednesday 20 October, after paying a bail of 1,500,000 dalasi (local currency). Details of their trial will shortly be posted.
The WLUML network continues to urge that they are guaranteed their right to a free and fair trial in an independent and impartial court; security and dignity of person, and freedom from unlawful detention. WLUML also maintains that human rights defenders and other members of civil society must not be threatened, harassed, or prosecuted on the basis of their peaceable defense of the rights of others.
Aceh: Caning of Two Women for Selling Rice during Ramadan
The Global Campaign to Stop Killing and Stoning Women! (SKSW) and the International Solidarity Network, Women Living Under Muslim Laws (WLUML) are outraged by the caning of two women in Aceh for selling cooked rice during Ramadan.
Update: Iran: Release of Shiva Nazar Ahari
The Women Living Under Muslim Laws (WLUML) international solidarity network and the Global Campaign to Stop Killing and Stoning Women (SKSW campaign) welcome the news that Shiva Nazar Ahari was released from prison on Sunday 12 September 2010.
However, though she is free now, her sentence will be given in approximately two weeks’ time. One of the charges against Ms. Nazar Ahari is moharebeh (enmity with God), which can be punishable by death in Iran. We therefore urge you to write to the Iranian officials and the embassy of Iran in your country to welcome the release of Ms. Nazar Ahari and to urge all charges against her in connection with her peaceful exercise of her rights to freedom of expression and association to be dropped.
A sample letter is attached.
URGENT: PAKISTAN: Shirkat Gah Appeals for Support in Relief Work
URGENT Action: Shirkat Gah Appeals for Support in Relief Work
Pakistan is facing yet another emergency situation due to severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall. According to the Pakistani government, this has affected twenty million people so far. After visiting the flood stricken areas, a visibly upset UN General Secretary, Ban Ki Moon, said “This has been a heart-wrenching day for me. In the past, I have visited many natural disasters, but I have never seen anything like this.”
Shirkat Gah - Women’s Resource Centre (SG), Pakistan, is actively engaged in providing relief to those affected and coordinating efforts across Pakistan through its partner community based organizations in synchronization with all three Shirkat Gah offices in Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar. We would like to appeal to all to help us in raising funds. Your contribution will be highly appreciated and will be used to set up medical camps and purchase goods necessary for immediate relief such as food items and non-food items including medicines, cooking utensils, clothing and shoes (the latter two items can also be donated through the Shirkat Gah Offices). The funds will later be used for the particular needs of communities based on a reassessment of the situation.
You can either drop off or mail us clothing and shoes donations at any of our 3 offices – please see the end of the document for postal details.