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...