Amnesty group stands up for human rights

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More than 800 Otago Girls High School pupils form the word "RIGHTS" at the school yesterday during an OGHS Amnesty International Group event. Photo by Craig Baxter.

Otago Girls High School pupils stood up for their rights when they took to the school's playing field yesterday.

In a display intentionally reminiscent of the recent Olympic Games' opening ceremony in Beijing, the school's pupils formed the word "RIGHTS".

OGHS Amnesty International Group organising members Rhiana Clark, Serena Anderson, Natasha Smillie (all 15) and Alena Plaksina (16) organised the event to raise awareness of human rights abuses in China, and the plight of oppressed women worldwide.

Many pupils participating in yesterday's event would sign a letter to the Chinese Government, asking it to improve the human rights record in its country. The detention of political activists and journalists was a specific concern, the group said.

While members welcomed promises made by the Chinese Government before the Games to improve its human rights record, continued pressure from independent international groups would mean the assurances were not forgotten, Alena said.

The OGHS Amnesty group has 17 members.

They are this year planning a support an awareness campaign targeting domestic violence.