February 27, 2008
The disputed election on December 27, 2007 sparked an outbreak of fighting and a series of grave human rights violations. More than 1,000 people have been killed, while more than 300,000 have been displaced. Click here to learn more about the crisis in Kenya.
On February 27, people worldwide can show their outrage at the continuing human rights abuses in Kenya in a series of international events organized by Amnesty International, including online actions and street demonstrations.
The people of Kenya, many of whom have endured unrelenting suffering in the last two months, need to be protected. Amnesty International urges Kenya's leaders to ensure the human rights of Kenyan people are upheld.
Extend a hand in support! This international day of public and online action will demonstrate solidarity with the people of Kenya and call on the Kenyan government to protect people from politically-motivated and ethnic violence.
Ways to Participate:
Online Activism
1. Leave personal messages of hope and solidarity on the Blog
Ordinary Kenyans are using online tools to send photos and accounts of violence. Let them know they are being heard by posting photos and solidarity messages on the Individuals at Risk Blog. We will pass on your messages to the people who need it most in Kenya.
Many Kenyans speak English, but the other national language of Kenya is Swahili. In the spirit of solidarity with Kenyans, please consider including Swahili phrases in your messages:
| ENGLISH Reach out for Kenya Respect human rights Stop human rights violations | SWAHILI Kuwafikia wakenya Heshimu Haki za Binadamu Komesha dhuluma kwa haki za binadamu |
2. Post Photos on Flickr
We have also set up a Flickr page for people to post photos of their vigils and collective messages of support: http://www.flickr.com/photos/reachoutforkenya. To upload the photos, send an email to cold27south@photos.flickr.com (use the subject line to give your photo a title and the body to add a description). Your messages will resonate with the voices of the Kenyan people and increase the magnitude of their call for peace.
3. Join the Facebook Protest
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8721569146
On Facebook you can show solidarity with the people of Kenya in the following ways:
- Changing your profile picture on February 27 (or before!) to show your support for the people of Kenya; you can update your status as well;
- Showing support for Amnesty International's demands by sending a letter to Kenyan leaders;
- Uploading your picture onto our Flickr page;
- Taking part in one of the public solidarity actions organized by sections around the world.
4. Take Action Online
Click here to take action to protect Kenyan human rights defenders who have received death threats, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Professor Wangari Maathai.
Download and sign the petition here.
5. Read the Testimonies of Victims
Victims of the political violence in Kenya are speaking out about the dangerous conditions they face in their country. Audiofiles of their personal testimonies can be found here.
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