Unfortunately the International Executive of Amnesty International have taken a decision to adopt a policy on abortion. This has been done without a vote of the members of Amnesty. In the two countries were ordinary members were given the right to vote on the issue, (the UK and Ireland) the vote was for Amnesty NOT to adopt a policy on abortion. Desptie this the International Committe of Amnesty meeting in Mexico in August 2007, affirmed the policy. As a result, it is now difficult for anyone who supports human rights to finacially support Amnesty International.
The Vatican has called this a betrayal of the rights of children, who should be protected under International Law, which states (emphasis added)
UNITED NATIONS DECLARATION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD 1959
"whereas the child, by reason of his physical and mental maturity, needs special safeguards and care, including appropriate legal protection
BEFORE AS WELL AS AFTER BIRTH..." ,
Schools are advised to read the following memo. This is a much regreted decison by the International Secretariat of Amnesty International. GE07/0004
20 September 2007
Dear Principal
CIRCULAR TO PRINCIPALS OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF MELBOURNE
Re: Amnesty International – International Secretariat
Dear Colleagues
The Agencies of the Catholic Church work always and everywhere, in support of those who suffer as a result of war and famine. It is a core principle of the Church’s Social Teaching to aid those in need, and to work for the oppressed and marginalised.
I write in relation to the recent decision taken by the International Secretariat of Amnesty International to include, as part of its policy stance, support for the practice of abortion in some situations, which it regards as relating to human rights violations. This was not a decision made by the members of Amnesty International in a democratic vote.
Abortion is a fundamental denial of the dignity of the human person and a breach of the human rights of the child.
We have attempted, in conjunction with the Melbourne Catholic Commission for Justice, Development and Peace, to communicate to Amnesty International, our serious concerns about this policy stance and the impact it will have on the support many Catholic schools have given to Amnesty International programs. Unfortunately our efforts in this regard have been fruitless to date.
It is with regret that I write therefore, to indicate to you that Catholic schools are requested, in line with our support for fundamental human rights, to withdraw support for any Amnesty International Programs involving students in Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne until such time as the policy is revoked, or until a clear indication is given otherwise by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC). It is understood that arising from a meeting of the ACBC on 2 August 2007, the President of the ACBC, Archbishop Wilson, intends to enter into dialogue with the Australian President of Amnesty International, Ms Georgina Perry.
Those schools that have regular contact with Amnesty are asked to convey through their contacts, the disappointment of the Catholic schools sector, which has long been a supporter of Amnesty International.
Yours sincerely
Stephen Elder
DIRECTOR OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION
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This is a much regreted decison by the International Secretariat of Amnesty International.
Schools wishing to continue supportiing human rights should contact the newly formed BENENSON Society