The 2008 Beijing Olympics

Less than 6 months before the August 8, 2008 opening ceremonies for the Beijing Olympics, the Chinese government has shown little substantive progress in addressing long-standing human rights concerns. Instead, apparently more worried about political stability, Beijing is tightening its grip on domestic human rights defenders, grassroots activists and media to choke off any possible expressions of dissent ahead of the Games.

The staging of the Olympics is exacerbating problems of forced evictions, migrant labor rights abuses, and the use of house arrests to silence political opponents. The government is continuing its crackdown on lawyers, human rights defenders and activists who dedicate themselves to rule of law and the exposure of rights abuses. Fear of citizen activism has led to government obstruction of local activists and grassroots organizations working to stem China’s HIV/AIDS epidemic. Fears of harm to China’s national image have even led Chinese officials to stop prominent activists from leaving the country.

There are ways you can promote human rights in China—by writing a letter to the government, using the Internet to help Chinese citizens get around censorship restrictions, or by linking up with other Chinese and international activists to help build the movement.

For more information, please go to http://china.hrw.org/

The Toronto Committee

The Toronto Committee seeks to increase awareness of local and global human rights issues and enlist the public and governments to support basic rights for all. Committee members meet regularly to learn about human rights crises and policies and support Human Rights Watch through outreach, education and fundraising initiatives.

Membership in the Human Rights Watch Toronto Committee provides an inside perspective on one of the most exciting and effective international organizations. The Toronto Committee is composed of opinion leaders from a variety of backgrounds. It was launched out of the belief that an informed and engaged constituency is essential for the defense of fundamental freedoms.

Toronto Committee members have access to regular briefings by Human Rights Watch investigators, senior government officials, and informed observers. These sessions provide a unique and sophisticated perspective on breaking news and today’s most serious global problems. Toronto Committee members strengthen Human Rights Watch and its global defense of essential liberties by contributing financially to its work, attracting potential supporters, and promoting the organization’s message and concerns.

Save Civilians
Ban Cluster Munitions by 2008:

A six year-old in Laos lost his left eye in 2005 when he found a cluster bomb left from the Vietnam War. The U.S. unleashed tens of millions of submunitions on Laos, as much as one third failed to detonate. © 2005 Andrew McConnell/WpN

In February of 2007, governments met in Oslo to launch a historic initiative to ban cluster munitions that cause unacceptable harm to civilians. Forty-six countries agreed to the Oslo Declaration, committing themselves to create a legally binding treaty by 2008 that will prohibit the use, transfer, and production of cluster munitions and require destruction of existing stockpiles. The treaty will also ensure adequate care and rehabilitation to survivors and their communities, risk education, and clearance of contaminated areas.

Ten years ago, it was Canada’s vision, commitment, and caring that largely brought about the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty. Canadian leadership is needed again. As it has done in the past, Canada can play a vital role in formulating an international treaty commensurate with the values of its people.

Canada has already taken positive steps in the Campaign to Ban Cluster Munitions. In addition to endorsing the Oslo Declaration, Canada has announced that it will destroy its stockpile of cluster munitions. But more can be done! Take Action to ban cluster munitions.