Stories of Human Abuse and Human being in wretched plight all around the World

The anniversary edition of WIRE outlines everything you need to know about our plans for the year, and how you can: Defend the rights of women and girls in Nicaragua Unite against the death penalty Speak out for the silenced Demand justice for people in the Democratic Republic of Congo Call for clean-up of the Niger Delta Stand up for women’s rights in Egypt As always, your urgent action is also needed on our World Wide Appeals. Also, see what our researchers in the Middle East and North Africa have to say about their work in this special supplement. Until next time, Adi , Editor Above: Celebrating Amnesty International’s 50th birthday in Togo. Amnesty international teams blogging from the ground:

UN confirms massive oil pollution in Niger Delta The UN shows evidence of the devastating impact of oil pollution on people in the Delta © Kadir van Lohuizen/NOOR Shell's systemic failure to address oil spills for many years is addressed in the report © Kadir van Lohuizen/NOOR 4 August 2011 The oil company Shell has had a disastrous impact on the human rights of the people living in the Niger Delta in Nigeria, said Amnesty International, responding to a UN report on the effects of oil pollution in Ogoniland in the Delta region. The report from the United Nations Environment Programme is the first of its kind in Nigeria and based on two years of in-depth scientific research. It found that oil contamination is widespread and severe, and that people in the Niger Delta have been exposed for decades. “This report proves Shell has had a terrible impact in Nigeria, but has got away with

20 April 2011 Media discouraged from reporting on tsunami, earthquake fallout, says CPJ Hiro Ugaya in tsunami-destroyed Noda Mura village, which received scant media attention Freelancers in Japan says they and foreign and online media have been actively excluded from reporting on the nuclear threat and other calamities resulting from the earthquake and tsunami, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Last week, the Japanese government upped the danger rating for the disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station to its highest level. According to CPJ, it is not clear if the government or Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), which runs the plant, withheld the extent of the risk. "The local media's habitual allegiance to officials who arrange press conferences and companies that buy advertising makes it hard to tell, and freelancers who are eager to probe deeper say their questions have been suppressed," said CPJ. Take author and freelancer Takashi Ue

Tsunami hits north-eastern Japan after massive quake source : BBC Tsunami hits north-eastern Japan after massive quake A massive earthquake has hit the north-east of Japan, triggering a tsunami that has caused extensive damage. Japanese television showed cars, ships and even buildings being swept away by a vast wall of water after the 8.9-magnitude earthquake. The quake has sparked fires in several areas including Tokyo, and numerous casualties are feared. It struck about 250 miles (400km) from the capital at a depth of 20 miles. There have been powerful aftershocks. The tremor hit at 1446 local time (0546 GMT). Seismologists say it is one of the largest earthquakes to hit Japan for many years. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx At the scene Roland Buerk BBC News, Tokyo When the earthquake hit, buildings in Tokyo swayed. Walking was like crossing the deck of a ship at sea. People poured down from their

Stand in solidarity. Demand an end to the crackdown in Egypt. Clashes erupted with organized groups of pro-government supporters attacking protesters in Cairo and across Egypt. © Nasser Nouri When violence broke out in Tahrir Square an anti-Mubarak protester interviewed on TV said, “The difference between us and animals is that we have dignity.” Protesters are demanding change but their right to do so peacefully is not being respected. They have been the target of violent attacks by pro-government supporters, while Egyptian authorities have failed to