29 May 2004	Saturday	09 Rabi-us-Saani 1425

KARACHI, May 28: Amnesty International undertakes research and action focused on preventing and ending grave abuses of rights to physical and mental integrity, freedom of conscience and expression, and freedom from discrimination, within the context of its work to promote human rights.

This was stated by Nafees Ghaznavi, Director Amnesty International Pakistan, while speaking at the 43rd anniversary of AI at a local hotel on Friday. He said that May 28, 2004 marked the 43rd anniversary of Amnesty International, a global movement of more than 1.8 million people, with members, supporters and subscribers in over 150 countries.

It was in 1961 that AI evolved from the dedication and commitment of one man, Peter Benenson, for the protection of human rights of each person across the globe.

His vision - now the AI vision - is of a world in which every citizen of each country enjoys human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and those of accepted international standards, Mr Ghaznavi said.

He said that AI sought the release of men and women detained anywhere for their beliefs, colour, sex, ethnic origin, language or religion. It advocated fair and early trails for all political prisoners, and worked on behalf of such persons detained without charge or trial.

Opposing the death penalty, he said that AI was against disappearances, extrajudical killings, torture or other cruel inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment of prisoners without reservation.

One of AI's biggest campaigns in recent years - stop violence against women - was launched on March 5, 2004 throughout the world, he said. On May 26, 2004, AI released its report 2004: War on global values - attacks by armed groups and governments fuel mistrust, fear and division worldwide.

Prominent lawyer Zia Awan, who also spoke on the occasion, said that AI was a torchbearer in bringing people out of jails. Referring to the conditions in local prisons, Zia Awan said that Karachi Central prison had a capacity of 1,000 inmates, but around 5,000 prisoners were presently lodged in the same jail.