China holds unparalleled influence over the brutal regime in Sudan and the military junta in Burma. China could and should use this influence to push for a peaceful resolution to the violence in Darfur and the ongoing repression in Burma.
The approaching Beijing Olympics are a vulnerable pressure point for the Chinese government.
Call on China to act for peace in Darfur and Burma, and keep the Olympics strong.
Watch former Olympic speed skater Joey Cheek speak about how the Olympics connect to human rights.
Read below to learn about ways you can take action on the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
TURN OFF THE OLYMPICS FOR BURMA
Friday 07 March, 2008
The Olympics are scheduled to begin on August 8, 2008. On the same date in 1988, thousands of peaceful protesters were massacred by the regime during one of Burma's largest democratic uprisings.
Instead of supporting Beijing, the 88 Generation Students and the U.S. Campaign for Burma are asking for people to think of Burma on that day.
The U.S. Campaign for Burma is asking one million people throughout the world to turn off their televisions and to personally boycott the Olympics, unless China changes its policies on Burma.
Sign the pledge to be one of one million people to turn off the Olympics for Burma.
TURN OFF THE ADS AND TUNE IN TO DARFUR
Friday 07 March, 2008
Olympic corporate sponsors have so far been silent about China's support of the atrocities in Darfur, even as they prepare to spend billions to enhance China's image as Olympic host.
China can use its influence to bring peace to Darfur and the Olympic sponsors can use their influence with China. You can use your influence with the sponsors some of the most recognizable brands in the world. Dream for Darfur has organized a campaign to make sure we are heard.
Show the Olympic corporate sponsors that their actions must be socially responsible. Support the people of Darfur and sign the pledge to Turn Off the Ads and Tune In to Darfur.
ACT TO END CHINESE ARMS TRANSFERS TO SUDAN
Friday 07 March, 2008
China is currently by far Sudan's largest known provider of small arms, small arms parts, and ammunition.
China's special envoy on Darfur, Liu Guijin, recently criticized Sudan for not allowing UNAMID peacekeepers to fully deploy. While such criticism by China is welcome, it ultimately has little meaning as long as China continues to sell weapons to Sudan that are helping to fuel the conflict in Darfur.
Human Rights First is calling on people sign a petition to urge the government of China to immediately halt all arms sales to Sudan and to support the extension of the United Nations Security Council arms embargo on Darfur to all of Sudan.
Sign the petition to tell China to stop selling arms to Sudan.
JOIN THE GLOBAL HUMAN RIGHTS TORCH RELAY
Friday 07 March, 2008
China was granted the right to host the Olympic Games after it pledged to adhere to the Olympic charter and improve its human rights record. Instead, its human rights abuses have worsened.
The global Human Rights Torch Relay is an international campaign that seeks to bring an end to all human rights abuses against people in China. During the run up to the 2008 Olympics, the Human Rights Torch Relay will host events in 37 countries across 5 continents to present its message.
Check out the international relay route here.
Regardless of where you live, or whether your country or city is hosting the Human Rights Torch Relay, you are welcome to join in and help keep the human rights flame alive.
Learn more about the potential impact of the Games at our 2008 Beijing Olympics Issue page.
Read the latest News on the Olympics.
Take Action for the people of Burma.
Take Action for the people of Darfur.
