Update: Amnesty's post-election strategy and work

Dear friends, We’ve been fighting the bad guys since 1961 – and we aren’t about to stop now. Amnesty International is a guardian of human rights in the U.S. and around the globe. We do this by holding all human rights abusers accountable. We don’t differentiate by political party or take sides in elections. We take the side of human rights, and that’s why we won’t stand by and let President-elect Donald Trump and his administration – or anyone else – deny people their human rights and freedoms. I want to update you on Amnesty International USA’s work in the aftermath of the U.S. elections – because we’re going to be coming to you a lot in the weeks and months ahead to help protect human rights here and around the world. We will fight any attempt to put President-elect Trump’s hateful, poisonous campaign rhetoric into policy. We will work with members of Congress from both parties and with the new administration where we can, in order to protect human rights. Where we can’t, we will use every tool at our disposal to defeat the dangerous agenda he promoted on the campaign trail, and to hold officials accountable for any actions that put human rights at risk. Here’s what we’re focused on most immediately: Protecting the right to protest: Around the country, we’re providing training and tools for activists to help make sure that people can exercise their right to take to the streets and peacefully express their dissent. Mobilizing people to take a stand against hate: We’re giving people tools to speak out against xenophobia and discrimination. Pushing back when Trump’s agenda puts human rights at risk: We’re already fighting back against reported proposals to bring back torture, force Muslim immigrants to enter a special registry, and block refugees from coming to the U.S. We took this fight directly to President-elect Trump last week, when Amnesty members went to Trump Tower to deliver a letter outlining our concerns and asking to meet, and we’re speaking out in the media and social media, as well. Demanding scrutiny of presidential appointments and nominations: We’re tracking these individuals’ human rights records and demanding that members of Congress get real answers to the question of whether they will use their power to hurt human rights. Empowering members to put grassroots pressure on Congress: Our network of activists in all 50 states is going to be more important than ever in the months ahead, and we’re already training and expanding our capacity so that we’re stronger than ever to block attacks on human rights on Day One of the new administration. Pushing the Obama Administration to protect human rights in its final weeks: Our “Don’t Leave It To Trump” initiative asks President Obama to take concrete steps now to protect refugees, close Guantanamo, and protect sexual assault survivors in Indigenous communities. Through direct advocacy and public pressure, we’re working to get strong policies in place before Obama leaves office. We’re currently working with members, coalition partners, and others to develop strategies for the longer term. We’ll share those plans with you as they’re developed. Thank you for being part of this movement, especially now. Nobody fights to protect human rights quite like Amnesty International does – and it’s never been more important. In solidarity, Margaret Huang Executive Director

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