sex. Imagine your family and loved ones being imprisoned or murdered because
of their religious beliefs. Still, others are scorned because of their ethnicity.
Amnesty International, founded in 1961, is an independent human rights
organization internationally known for its efforts to free people from such
treatment.
On Feb. 19, Amnesty International groups from around the country, including
the UT chapter, will be participating in National Day of Student Action.
The program will be held in the University Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This observance day is being conducted to educate others of the social
turmoil taking place around the world, specifically in Nigeria. Nida Kirmani,
student coordinator, said this demonstration will work towards fighting
oppression of any inhuman act.
“Human rights organizations around the globe are organizing to take
a stand against this oppressive regime,” Kirmani said.
The Nigerian government which is presently under the military authority
of General Sani Abacha has reportedly been abusing his leadership position.
“Abacha and his government have actively participated in silencing
all kinds of dissent in that country,” Kirmani said. “They have
participated in the environmental degradation of Nigeria and have also annulled
democratic elections.”
Kirmani sees National Day of Action as a time for students to learn more
about the inhumane treatment around the world and in the United States.
“We encourage everyone to come out and participate in these events.
It is extremely important that we as students are educated about the human
rights violations which are occurring in the United States and all over
the world,” she said.
Christy Bottoms, secretary for the UT chapter, believes people in society
are sometimes too consumed with unimportant aspects of our lives.
“We often are consumed with our own agendas and feel safe within
our own little realm. We do not contemplate or feel our connection with
humanity. The National Student Day of Action brings the struggle of other
human beings closer to us,” Bottoms said.
For those who feel that a demonstration on campus will not affect what
is taking place in Nigeria, Kirmani said this is a false misconception.
“If we all stand up for human rights in Nigeria here in the United
States, we will be able to affect positive change for the Nigerian people,”
she said.
Furthermore, Amnesty International will be calling for the Abacha regime
to end repression in Nigeria, primarily towards student activists.
“We will also write letters pressuring the United States government
to stop any sort of positive engagement in Nigeria,” Kirmani said.
On March 5, in the UC Shiloh Room, Amnesty International, along with
the Women’s Coordinating Council, will host guest speaker Hafsat Abiola.
Abiola is the daughter of elected president of Nigeria Moshood Abiola.
Currently the elected president is in prison because he does not support
the Abacha regime.
Hafsat Abiola is in the United States to promote human rights in Nigeria
and to educate people about the plight of her father and all the Nigerian
people.
Interested persons who have questions and require further information
can contact Kirmani at 595-8655 or e-mail: [email protected]
Copyright © 1998, The Daily Beacon. All rights reserved.
