Rapid Response Network

15 March 2020, 13:00 UTC | New Zealand

A juvenile facing the death penalty. A woman flogged for the clothes she wears. The disappearance of three sisters who speak out against their brother’s imprisonment. Such are the cases we ask our Rapid Responders to take action for on a daily and weekly basis.

Members of the Rapid Response Network provide a timely and effective response by sending letters, emails, and faxes directly to those who have the power to stop human rights violations. They pick up the phone and raise concerns directly with representatives from target countries based in New Zealand.

New Zealand’s unique opportunity for action

We know that taking action within the first 24 hours of abuse being committed is vital. Particularly in cases of torture, killings and and disappearances, we witness improvements in dire situations, and work to ensure such abuses are less likely to occur in the future.

We in New Zealand can make a unique difference due to our position on the International Date Line. We receive information overnight from our research headquarters in London, and email you with how you can take action in the morning. This means you are among the first in the world to receive and respond to our appeals.