"This is one of those times; one of those moments in history.  
You either show up or you prepare to face your conscience."

Dear John,

That was how an over-stretched immigration lawyer – who moved to Brownsville, Texas to join volunteers responding to Donald Trump’s assault on the rights of refugees and migrants – described to me why she was there. 

Her words profoundly frame the challenge and responsibility of defending human rights in our world today.

In a world that is overflowing with harrowing levels of conflict, division and inequality we either show up, or face our conscience.

2019 was an incredibly challenging year for human rights, but with your support Amnesty International showed up to bring the light of our research, the collective force of our activism, and the sustaining power of our solidarity to the pressing human rights struggles of our time.

• We challenged inhumane treatment of asylum seekers at the US/Mexico border;

• We demanded protection for civilians under fire in Yemen and other dangerous conflict zones;

• We supported protesters calling for justice in Hong Kong, Sudan, Iraq and elsewhere;

• We stood with Indigenous communities calling for an end to discrimination and injustice here in Canada;

• And we showed up for many other human rights challenges at home and around the world.
   

Please read my year end message
Showing up for Human Rights in 2019

Thank you for showing up with us to defend human rights in these challenging times. Your determined support is what makes our work possible.

As we look ahead to 2020, I hope you will be able to give generously to champion human rights in Canada and around the world.

It is absolutely true that this is one of those times; one of those moments in history. 

Thank you so much. If you have already made a donation, thank you. Your support is what makes our work possible.

With deep appreciation,

Alex Neve
Secretary General
Amnesty International Canada

P.S. Together we are an unstoppable tide of resistance, protest, compassion and courage. Please consider giving generously. Donate now.