Web Action WA 23/06; AI Index MDE 02/005/2006

Start date: 03/08/06

Ceasefire: No more war crimes

Civilians have been targeted in Lebanon by the Israeli Defence Forces and in northern Israel by Hizbullah leaving hundreds dead.

After weeks of fighting, bombs and rockets continue to fall indiscriminately on women, children, ambulances, rescue workers and other innocent victims of this escalating conflict. These deliberate attacks violate international humanitarian law and constitute war crimes.

Only an immediate, full and effective ceasefire will protect civilians on both sides, but calls for the warring parties to obey the laws of war and protect civilians have fallen on deaf ears.

Meanwhile, governments that could exert their influence to end the crisis have chosen instead to prioritize their own political and military interests over innocent lives of civilians.

We, the international community, are not powerless in the face of this crisis. We must stand up together to protect the lives of civilians and to ensure no more war crimes are committed.

What can you do? Take action now!

1. Join Amnesty International in our Ceasefire vigil on Monday 7^th August

Attend or organize a vigil in your community.

Here are some tips on how to organize your vigil [link to bulletpoints from the action circular below], or contact your local AI section [link to contact us pages] to find out about events in your country.

2. Spread the word about this conflict

We will keep posting information and actions on this conflict on amnesty.org so link to our pages!

Download our selection of banners and include them on your blog or website.

[links to downloadable icons]

You can also use the HTML provided below.

[HTML provided]

How to organize a "Ceasefire" vigil

When:
Monday 7th August 2006, around sunset

Where:

• A neutral location of symbolic or cultural importance. Examples may include main squares or plazas, major parks, places of worship or main shopping malls.

• It is very important that vigils should not take place outside of Israeli or Lebanese embassies, or the embassies of other nations.

The message:

• We call for a ceasefire;

• We demand that all governments stop the supply of arms to the conflict; and

• We stand in solidarity with the victims and survivors on both sides of the Israel/Lebanon conflict.

Staging your vigil:

• Vigils could display the word CEASEFIRE, as largely as possible. You may use a banner, a formation of people or candles, cardboard cut-outs, light projections - be creative!

• Ask participants to bring a candle to light at the vigil and decorate your vigil with as much candlelight as possible

• Wear black clothes and create display items that are black and white

• You may wish to read a suggested recital at your vigil (see below)

• You may also conduct a 2 minutes of silence to reflect on the victims of both parties, and to stand in solidarity with those survivors trapped in the conflict on both sides

• Take photos - and send them to us by email at dscott [at] amnesty.org. Please write "Ceasefire vigil" in the subject line, and tell us in which country and city the vigil took place.

“In past weeks we have seen the catastrophic events of the conflict between Israel and Lebanon unfold and magnify into a devastating series of violent atrocities and war crimes. We hear of the thousands of lives lost, the homes destroyed, families torn apart and livelihoods crushed.

This evening, Amnesty International members around the world, our supporters, our friends and our fellow partner organizations all stand together in solidarity with those who have suffered in this conflict. We mourn deeply for the victims and our hearts reach out to their families to wish them strength in this time of chaos. Our thoughts also stay closely with those surviving the conflict in the face of extreme danger, to whom we wish courage and immediate safety.

We call on Israel and Lebanon to start respecting the lives and the human rights of innocent people, and we implore other governments around the world to intervene - those who know they can help the people of Israel and Lebanon - and join our call for an end to this senseless violence.

Today we stand together with a simple message: For all our sakes, ceasefire.”