AI INDEX: EUR/38/13/96News Service 230/96

29 NOVEMBER 1996

MEDIA ADVISORY

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL HIGH LEVEL MISSION IN PORTUGAL

TO RAISE HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES WITH THE PORTUGUESE GOVERNMENT

An Amnesty International delegation led by Secretary General Pierre Sané will be in Portugal from 2 to 8 December. The delegates will meet with the President of the Republic and key ministers of the government, the President of Parliament, leading church personalities, trade union leaders, business community and representatives of non-governmental organizations, women’s, human rights and refugees’ organizations and members of Amnesty International Portugal.

During the government meetings, the delegates will raise human rights concerns on Portugal -- especially torture and ill-treatment -- which are a long standing concern for the organization and refugee issues.

As a member of the European Union, the UN Security Council (1 January 1997), and the Lusophone community, the delegation will discuss with the government how they can use their influence in these fora to promote Amnesty International’s concerns in other parts of the world.

Following his meetings with the Portuguese authorities, Pierre Sané will give a press conference on 5 December in Lisbon at 16.00 H in the Hotel Novotel Lisboa, Lisbon

At 20.00 H , Mr Sané will take part in a debate and give a speech on the theme of “The globalization of the economy and human rights”, at the Atlantic Park Hotel in Oporto.

On 7 December at 15.00, Mr Sané will give a speech on the theme of “Amnesty International and human rights education” at the Foundation Eng. Antonio Almeida in Oporto.

The delegates will discuss with the NGO’s, the implementation of the Beijing platform and Amnesty International’s refugee campaign as well as cooperation on other human rights issues in Portugal and other countries.

During his visit, Mr. Sané will raise Amnesty International concerns about the current crisis in the Great Lakes region.

For further information, to arrange an interview, or to obtain more details please call:

Jose Manuel Cabral/ Irene Rodriguez Tel: 00 351 1 386 1664

(Press Officers- Portuguese Section) Tel: 00 351 1 386 1652

or Marc Saghié (Press Officer-International Secretariat) Tel: 00 44 171 413 5831.