2008 marks the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights - a landmark document which recognizes every right needed for all of us to live a life of dignity and freedom. It is fundamental to AI’s human rights work.

It also marks an election year here in New Zealand – which can be held as late as November.

Key campaigns for AINZ are the China Olympics and Stop Violence Against Women Campaign – with activity peaking at key dates indicated below.

Asterisked days are ones AINZ teams tend to take action around.

Jan 11 Sixth anniversary of Guantanamo Bay*

Feb 12 Red Hand Day – International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers*
Feb 18-22 Cluster Munitions Conference, Wellington

March 4 Children's Day - NZ only
March 8 International Women’s Day*
Mar 21 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

May 3 World Press Freedom Day*
May 9-11 Annual Meeting 08 - Wellington
May 28 Amnesty International’s birthday. Release of AI’s annual report in and around this time

June 4 Tiananmen Square*
June 20 World Refugee Day
June 26 International Day in Support of Victims of Torture*

July 28-Aug 1 Freedom Week – AIANZ’s public action week
Freedom Challenge – AIANZ’s school and university group Freedom Week. China Olympics focus

Aug 8-24 Beijing Olympics

Nov 20 Universal Children’s Day (although this is now marked in March in NZ)
Nov 25 International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women*
(start of 16 days of activism, White Ribbon Day)

Dec 1 World Aids Day
Dec 10 International Human Rights Day (final day of 16 days of activism)*