AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
MEDIA ADVISORY
Stand and deliver!
Amnesty International action: Time for Commission to act on human rights
Date: 11 October 2012
Time: 10.45 am CET
Place: Outside Berlaymont Building (200 Rue de la Loi, Brussels)
- Amnesty International will hold a street event featuring a giant postcard addressed to Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding, bearing 11,000+ signatures from European citizens, protesting against the continued lack of respect for human rights principles in the European Commission’s latest citizen’s rights consultation
Background:
The European Commission has decided 2013 will be the year of Europe’s people and their rights. Viviane Reding launched an online questionnaire, but her questions made no reference to violations of key rights. Despite the EU’s obligation to respect and promote human rights, Amnesty International believes it is turning a blind eye to violations in EU countries and falling far short of protecting our human rights.
There is no shortage of EU laws or powers to defend human rights. The problem is a desperate lack of political will-power. Amnesty International asked European citizens whether they thought the Commission should use its existing powers boldly to tackle today’s defects and make a tangible difference for human rights in Europe, focusing on discrimination and violence against women. Over 11,000 citizens responded.
Viviane Reding has declined to receive the petition in person. The event will tackle the challenge of delivering it.
Spokesperson: Nicolas Beger. Available for interviews in English, French or German
For more information, and to arrange interviews, please contact:
Peter Clarke
Media & Communications Officer
Tel: +32 (0) 2 548 2773