Calls for First Lady to break her silence on Syria

Amnesty International Media Release
For immediate release
06 March 2012

International Women’s Day: Amnesty International calls on the First Lady to break her silence on Syria

As the world marks International Women’s Day this Thursday, Amnesty International is taking a stand with the women of Syria by calling on one woman to break her silence.

Since March 2011, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government has overseen a brutal crackdown on dissent that has left more than 6,000 people dead, including more than 200 women and girls.

Some women human rights defenders - who have been at the forefront of the peaceful calls for reform - have been forced into hiding, and some have even fled the country.

Through it all, The President’s wife, British-born Asma al-Assad has done very little to speak out against the brutality of the Syrian government forces, and has instead appeared publicly in support of her husband.

This image is at odds with the Syrian First Lady’s previously widely acknowledged affinity for charities and social causes, including women’s rights.

“This International Women’s Day it is time to remind Asma al-Assad that human rights and women’s rights are universal and they must be respected in Syria,” said Rebecca Emery, Campaigns Director at Amnesty International.

“We will be taking action this week of behalf of the courageous women of Syria by calling on the First Lady to use her influence to bring an end to the ongoing violence and human rights violations being committed against Syrian women human rights activists.”

Thursday 8th March is International Women’s Day and around the world Amnesty International is asking people to take a stand with the women of Syria.

Write to the First Lady of Syria here http://bit.ly/yRaliS

ENDS/

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