Universal Declaration on Human Rights every individual shall

Universal Declaration on Human Rights: «every individual … shall strive … to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and …to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance. »

For years I was held in a tiny cell. My only human contact was with my torturers. The only daylight that entered my cell was through a small opening at the top of one wall. For eight months I had my hands and feet tied. On Christmas Eve, the door to my cell opened and the guard tossed in a crumpled piece of paper. I moved as best I could to pick up the paper. It said simply, ‘Constantino, do not be discouraged, we know you are alive. ’ It was signed ‘Monica’ and had the Amnesty International candle on it. Those words saved my life and my sanity. Eight months later I was set free.

Muhammad Bekzhanov Uzbekistan Has been jailed for longer than any other journalist in the world. Tortured into confessing responsibility for terrorist attacks Amnesty demands: • Immediate release • Exhaustive and independent

Yecenia Armenta Mexico Graciano Arrested and incarcerated for allegedly having had her husband murdered. Tortured and raped. Forced to sign a confession. Amnesty demands: • Exhaustive and independent investigations into the torture and sanctions for those responsible. • That all charges against Yecenia be dropped.

Phyoe Aung Myanmar Leader for the Burmese student union. Arrested and incarcerated for peaceful protests. Amnesty demands: • Unconditional and immediate release of Phyoe. • That all charges against Phyoe be dropped.

Waleed Abu al-Khair Saudi Arabia Human rights lawyer and activist Arrested and sentenced to 15 years in prison for starting a human rights organization and having defended other activists as a lawyer. Amnesty demands: • That Waleed be released immediately and unconditionally. • That Waleed be protected from torture, and be allowed to receive visits from his lawyers and family.

Maria Burkina Faso Forced to marry a 70 -year old man who is married to 5 other women. Maria’s father threatened to kill her if she did not accept to marry this man. Amnesty demands: • Strengthening and enforcement of legislation that prohibits forced marriages. • Guarantee girls right to sexual and reproductive health services. • Protection of rape survivors human rights.

Saman Naseem Iran Arrested for allegedly having participated in a armed conflict with the authorities when he was 17 years old. Tortured into confessing his and sentenced to death. Now facing retrial. Amnesty demands: • Fair trial that respects international standards. • Exhaustive and independent investigation into the torture and sanctions for the responsible. • That Saman is not sentenced to death.