KK4 - Amnesty International Case Studies + Power Flashcards
Power of Amnesty International
-Amnesty International’s large global network (10 mil, 150 states) has created links between individuals and groups interested in pursuing the same goals
-Link to globalisation (growth of communication and technology - i.e., internet)
-They use social media, emails etc to inform people + expose companies
-Amnesty International is able to mobilise large numbers of supporters to exert pressure on local governments to initiate policy changes and get human rights issues on international conference agendas
Power of Amnesty case study: abortion in Ireland
-In 2015, Amnesty International launched a campaign called “she is not a criminal - the impact of Ireland’s abortion law” against Ireland’s Eight Amendment
-“Eighth Amendment” - “acknowledging the right of the unborn”, included in Irish consititution
As a part of the campaign, Amnesty International called for Irish authorities to
-Decriminalise abortion;
-Amend or repeal the Eight Amendment
-Ireland held a referendum on 25 May 2018 to repeal the Eight Amendment
-Prior to the referendum being held, Sinn Fein (party) openly indicated their support of Amnesty International’s “repeal the 8th” campaign
Operation sovereign borders (Australia)
-The Australian Navy was given instructions to intercept boats arriving in Australia and turn them back to where they came from
-Some were sent to detention centres for offshore processing
-Here, Australia made it clear that it was willing to confiscate its international standing in trying to protect Australia’s borders
Power of Amnesty: Operation sovereign borders
-Amnesty International made a continuous effort to call for a Royal Commission, though was largely ineffective in doing so
-Moreover, in regards to exposing the human rights abuses, they did tarnish the reputation of Australia, though did not effect policy
-Therefore, it is evident that the power of Amnesty International in this case was severely limited.
