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Sadly, all four of our climbers will not be coming back to the Esperanza after all. Jens, Sim, Timo and Matt are flying home to Germany, USA, Finland and Poland respectively. Their personal belongings are still on board and they are going home in spare clothes bought for them by friends in Greenland. I'm sure they'll be glad to see their families again but we're really going to miss them on the ship and we haven't finished our 'Go Beyond Oil' tour yet.

Yesterday we were hoping they would be back on board and Victor even made them a Welcome Home banner. I have sent them all the supportive messages people wrote us over the last few days by email so at least they can read those when they get home. The atmosphere on board feels very mixed. We're feeling pretty down about losing four of our crew who we all became friends with over the last few weeks. But we need to remind ourselves of what we have achieved as we say goodbye to our four heroes today.

Every minute they were up there occupying the rig was another minute Cairn Energy couldn’t drill. We want to stop them sparking an Arctic oil rush. And at the very least we've made it less likely they’ll strike oil this year before the winter weather conditions force them to leave the area.

We shut down drilling by taking action on the high seas, but if dangerous deepwater oil drilling is to be stopped for good then action also needs to be taken in the world's capitals. Our leaders need to take us beyond oil, to invest in clean energy solutions for the sake of the climate and the preservation of pristine environments like the Arctic.

Later this month, environment ministers from countries bordering the North Sea will meet in Norway, where Germany is proposing a moratorium on new deepwater drilling. We're backing Germany's call because we don't want to see another disaster, similar to that in the Gulf of Mexico, happen at new deepwater sites across the world. And we need to go beyond oil to protect our climate.

Our journey continues…

We are still waiting for our climbers to be released but hoping they will be back on board the Esperanza soon. They are sorely missed - especially Timo's lovely guitar playing in the evenings. Anais is talking about preparing a "Welcome Back!" banner for them and every time the captain or our campaign leader walks past we keep asking "any news?". The answer is still no. Nobody knows exactly when they will be out and perhaps they wont be allowed back to the ship at all.

Sim, Timo, Jens and Matt are truly heroes! I don't think I have ever witnessed such an amazing direct action in all my time with Greenpeace. Timo, Matt, Jens and Sim scaled the oil rig by climbing a structure that looked unclimable to me. When I look at the footage of their ascent - my jaw drops open in amazement. They spent over 40 hours up there - suspended above the churning Arctic waves through freezing winds and periods of loud noise from the thrusters that keep the rig in position. They kept themselves in good spirits throughout the occupation and never complained about the conditions they were in. We're so very proud of them for stopping Cairn's Arctic drilling for so long. They really stopped it for 40 hours - and that's quite an achievement.

While our climbers were on the rig and since they have been arrested - we have received some very touching messages of support from so many people. I've  been gathering them today so that I can show the climbers when they're back on board. I thought it would also be nice to share them here (see below) and say thanks to everyone who sent us these messages - and the others I haven't managed to copy yet. It means a lot to us to receive them and I have already printed off several pages of them and passed them around over dinner in the mess. I even saw our chief engineer reading them and watched his face light up with big smiles. And he rarely smiles so this is quite an achievement!

Thank you so much. I'll let you know more news on our heroic Arctic defenders when I have it.

-- Lisa

Timo and Matt on the Esperanza before the action. We want them back along with Sim and Jens!

Messages to the climbers via Twitter:

OwenJ92
Aug 31, 11:49pm via Web
@gp_espy keep it going! what you're doing is amazing, I've never seen a protest like it! stick to it!

Emmabob3
Aug 31, 11:23am via Twitter for iPhone
@gp_espy - Well done for your amazing/brave/inspiring action. You have my total support & best wishes ; )

jonesthelight
Aug 31, 11:27am via Web
@gp_espy All the very best with that and what a great way to start my day :)

GinniKipper
Aug 31, 11:39am via Web
@gp_espy Massive congratulations and gratitude for what you are doing for us. I'm still gathering followers on FaceBook :-)
wolf_hazel

Aug 31, 11:54am via Web
@gp_espy Well done guys for the work on Cairn Energy! Hang in there! I support you and wish you all the best!

r3to
Aug 31, 12:10pm via CoTweet
@gp_espy Spectacular action!! Well done! Hope you can stop Arctic drilling for good.

patrickolszo
Aug 31, 12:21pm via Echofon
@gp_espy - this is amazing work - keep going - we are all rooting for you! A global moratorium on oil drilling now #gobeyondoil

givepeasachance
Aug 31, 12:36pm via Web
@gp_espy Well done to all, we're all cheering you on back home! Keep up the good work guys and gals. Much love and solidarity xx #beyondoil

Lear88
Aug 31, 2:21pm via Web
keep up the amazing work in the Arctic @gp_espy. You continuously inspire change - where others would rather take it away. :) #beyondoil

JohnBaldy
Aug 31, 3:21pm via Web
Follow @gp_espy for an object lesson in both saving the planet and in making a twitter feed exciting. Big up Greenpeace!

kateogden
Aug 31, 3:25pm via Web
@gp_espy You guys are an inspiration! Stay safe! #beyondoil

mayhew60
Aug 31, 4:05pm via Web
@gp_espy I woke up with a smile today. You guys are doing a great job. It is time to send a message that oil is not the future

tennilesunday
Aug 31, 4:33pm via Web
I effing love greenpeace @gp_espy for working to shut down Cairn Energy's oil rig in the arctic. http://www.gobeyondoil.org

alisonjanehealy
Aug 31, 6:28pm via Web
@gp_espy Guys, keep up the amazing work. When right is on your side, then many things are possible

iXalapa
Aug 31, 6:46pm via Web
@gp_espy Great Job!!!! even with the navy behind you do the job !!! we are proud and surprise

Chelspresso
Aug 31, 8:15pm via Twitpic
@gp_espy http://twitpic.com/2jy774 - Beyond impressive. Keep up the good work, MUCH love and respect.

OwenJ92
Aug 31, 11:49pm via Web
@gp_espy keep it going! what you're doing is amazing, I've never seen a protest like it! stick to it!

celiaalario
Sep 01, 12:02am via txt
Rt @Greenpeace: Wishing our4activists occupying Cairn'sArctic oil rig&everyone onboard @gp_espy a good sleep! http://bit.ly/bys

mariamonica
Sep 01, 3:06am via Twitpic
@gp_espy http://twitpic.com/2k0d3y - I've no words now that I've seen your courage.I wish I could do something from here. Pls. take care.

350
Sep 01, 11:00am via HootSuite
If you're not following Greenpeace's @gp_espy, you're missing a helluva adventure in the fight against #oil in the Arctic.

Emmabob3
Sep 01, 3:27pm via Web
@gp_espy- Just thought I'd check in to say well done for stopping the drilling in the arctic for 24 hours. Go go go (but keep safe) ; )

daisystreet
Sep 01, 3:31pm via Saezuri
@gp_espy : Good morning, Esperanza! Enjoying the updates. Thank you for not only believing, but *doing. Take care. Stay safe. Be wonderf

AshleighF68
Sep 01, 4:25pm via Web
@gp_espy you guys are doing so well!! being brave enough to go against what others think! you have my total support :)

Lear88
Sep 01, 5:55pm via Web
Hang in there @gp_espy the world is watching in awe. Let's all make a wave. #beyondoil

gotsound
Sep 01, 5:55pm via Web
@gp_espy For the past week every morning I wake up feeling inspired after reading your live tweets from the arctic. Keep up the battle!

soup1531
Sep 01, 6:05pm via Web
@gp_espy Hold strong ya'll. We are all extremely proud of you. I will start collecting beer to feed you when you get back to SF Sim!

Sneakyboots
Sep 01, 7:44pm via Web
@gp_espy Sim, you lucky dog! I'd give anything to be hanging up there with you right now! Way to go, guys and girls..good on you!!!

engagejoe
6:48am via HootSuite
@gp_espy What a beautiful video of Anais. Her Arctic story brilliantly illuminates why I organize locally. http://j.mp/9Z0U

brianfit
9:14am via TweetDeck
@gp_espy Sending a virtual cup of piping hot coffee to climbers aboard the Stella Don. ♨ http://bit.ly/bysplt

IanMcL13
11:13am via Web
@gp_espy Thanks for your courage and your passion on our behalf

twinkle031
12:11pm via twicca
@gp_espy you did so nice things! I live in Korea now but when I grow up, I want to be a big help. keep going!!

Messages to the climbers on Facebook

Abi Ralls: HELL YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sylvia Watson-Stewart: Well done, we're with you in spirit!

Therese Davis: YOU GUYS ROCK! Wish I was there helpin'

Talitha Mcintyre-Burnie: You are my heroes! xx

Tara Wales: So friggen Far Out!!! You guys represent me also, I am disabled, I couldn't do that. So you speak for me also and I thank you all!

Deborah Barrass: Good, brave people.Their actions will be remembered in our uncertain future.

Wende Anne Maunder: Sim - thank you so very much. Words cannot express the gratitude I feel for the courageous work you are doing. I wish I had a million pounds to help you with your campaign. Bless you! Bless Greenpeace.

Sergio De Benito Navarrete: I'm very proud of all these Greenpeace activists. Thanks to all of you, and please never, never give up. Planet Earth needs more people like you. Greetings from Spain.

Polly Pearshouse: I used to be a climber but not like that! Scary stuff - huge respect for what you're doing - thank you

Jean Loughlin: Yeah...RESPECT GUYS....I couldn't do it!!!

Julie Bird: Love to you all and the deepest respect

Scott McNeil: this is what it takes, bravery and courage and determination, well done greenpeace

Julian Padfield Paddy: Good on you guys wish i was there,.

Jackum Brown: Bravo! Go for it, guys, you all deserve medals

Jo Billups You guys make my day! :)

Christopher Brooks: you're amazing! love your style. With you in spirit

Jackie Taylor: I support u all the way Greenpeace, please take care out there xx

Sue Tait: Sending blessings and light to your vital and wonderful work x

Annastacia Fulcher: Brilliant news and everyone is just amazing for what you are all doing. Thanks for the phone call Lisa letting us know whats going on. I wish you all well and pray for your safety.

Barbara Tencynskaya: Hurrah!! Ignore the mindless critics, GO GREENPEACE! :-D

Brian 'Jones' Smart: Go greenpeace!! Save what is left of this beautiful planet of ours before the big corporations who only care about money ravage it into a unlivable pile of dirt and pollution!!

Dimitri Fache: I admire your courage!

Andrea Liane: totally amazing staying in the Arctic until it get to cold to drill. i am so very impressed with the commitment of everyone aboard You on board deserve mega medals, and thank you from all who care. I no u'll never give up.

Michael Callender: Go guys, the world supports you!!! Wish I could be there.

Rebecca Fowler thank u brave activists, u inspire me daily! NO ARCTIC DRILLING!!

Cathy Monkley: You're all doing an amazing job. I salute you - big hugs all round x

Gemma Dawn: so much respect for all you guys that hung off that rig!!!!

Tom Cohen: hang in there sim hope you have ear plugs sounds pretty loud under there,great anchor points thoughlooks made for you!

Sergio C Buitrón: If you were looking for a hero look no more.

Bonnie Marie Lindsay: SIM~YOU ARE AWESOME!!

Kyra Winn: love your work Sim and friends :)

Gregory Riley Now: THIS is the kind of DIRECT ACTION I pay for!!!

Katharina Dumrath: I hope the activists willl be okay and that there will be no severe repercussions. I understand why the police had to arrest them (they were trespassing), but I pray that they'll have the sense to release them with a slap on the wrist instead of making a huge deal out of it. We already have 2 activists facing prison sentences in Japan- we don't need any more

Sandy Wilson: What a strange world we live in. Those fighting for our planet are arrested whilst those killing it are let free. Good on you guys for putting your life on the line.

Didoo Hydi: You are really amazing guys.. keep on, we'll always support the cause till the end.

Maria Elena: nothing is so much less than 40+ hours

Luis Rivas: drill stopped turning! That's a result! Hope they are out soon :D

Ruth Daw I am glad the four brave activits are fine!

Saskia Morice: You amazing guys have all my support as well as thousands and thousands of other´s everywhere...We are with You! We love you so much for what you are doing in the name of our Mother Earth..Thank You!

Tamari Chi: greenpeace outshines politics and politicians. When the governments should be handling things, it takes special organizations to do their job for them.

Rakesh Prashara: Well done everyone, my thoughts are with the activists in custody. Our future depends on going beyond oil!

Denys Tsutsaev: good job guys!!!Well done!!

Jackey Caldwell: What you are doing today changes all our futures. Hang on in there.

Tim Hatcher: Hang in there guys (literally). All right thinking people of the world are with you.

Jean Loughlin: thank you !!!!!! for what you are doing ....you are doing it for so many people.....Bless you for your bravery!!!

This is a report on the environmental performance of Greenpeace UK from January to December 2009. It aims to show the impact our organisation has on the environment, how we try to minimise it, and what we are doing to improve.

Handing out sustainable seafood guides on the streets of Tokyo (c) Sutton-Hibbert/Greenpeace

There's a common comment in this part of the world, often repeated on the internet especially, about sorting out the seafood problem: namely, we have to change minds in Japan.

Whilst it's a simplistic generalisation, there is a lot of truth in that. Seafood is a global commodity and a global problem. The big markets for seafood are (perhaps unsurprisingly) North America, Europe, and Asia.

As an island nation, Japan is undoubtedly a place with a strong tradition of eating a vast array of seafood. We know too that Japan's demand for fish reaches around the world (of course, they are not alone in this). Most notably Japan is the key importer of the large tuna species (bluefin, bigeye and yellowfin), but the demand for sushi specifically, and seafood generally, also covers many other species from Patagonian toothfish to eels.

Greenpeace has had an office in Japan for over two decades. But it has taken until this year for Greenpeace Japan to be able to launch its very own sustainable seafood campaign. Building on the work we have done in other countries, our colleagues have unleashed their Susea (Sustainable Seafood) campaign onto the Japanese high streets.

The reception they've had has shown quite clearly how things have started to move on around the world. In the space of a few years, the world has started to wake up to the problems of overfishing and destructive fishing. Whilst, from a distance, we might like to assume Japan is just a part of the problem, as keen seafood eaters they are starting to realise too that they need to be part of the solution.

My Japanese colleague Wakao tells us that they have had a great reception both from customers, retailers and the media. In handing out seafood guides, some shaped like traditional Japanese fans, they gave the public graphic information of the problem species on the menu. And accompanied by a colleague in a sad-looking fish costume (called Fini), they took the message to the streets of Japan.

Sustainable seafood guide, Japanese style

Just as we have done in the UK, US and elsewhere, Greenpeace Japan is following this up with discussions with key retailers, especially the big supermarket chains like Aeon and Seiyu. At the same time, media reporting of the campaign has not, as might be expected, been dismissive and negative, but rather supportive and explaining the key issues Greenpeace Japan is concerned about.

Of course, much of the focus is on bluefin, the current poster-fish of unsustainability. The Japanese Government has set itself up as the would-be saviour of Atlantic bluefin - something we're keen to see come true at this year's ICCAT meeting in Paris.

But Wakao and his colleagues are also drawing attention to the plight of the more local bluefin species - Pacific bluefin. In that, they have an unusual ally in the artisanal, traditional fishing fleet. They have been fishing Pacific bluefin for years and know all-too-well that the massive purse-seining nets are a sure fire way to drive the species to the brink of extinction. After all, that has already happened to the bluefin's Atlantic cousin. They know too that creating protected areas for commercially-important species, especially in breeding grounds, is just plain common sense.

This is just the start for Susea and I'm excited to hear what happens in the weeks and months to come. But one thing is clear: the mood in Japan is changing. Let's hope that Susea can help push Japanese retailers and consumers the way seafood campaigns have in other countries.

After all, a global problem needs global solutions.

Friday 3 September 2010

Three men who were tortured and jailed after their forced return from Australia, are at risk of further abuse when they are returned to prison from hospital.

Amnesty International has called on the Sri Lankan government to ensure the safety of three men who have been tortured and jailed following their forced return from Australia in 2009.

Two of the men, Sumith Mendis and Lasantha Wijeratne, were transferred to a hospital to be examined by a judicial medical officer on 1 September amid claims that they were beaten and tortured following an alleged new attempt to migrate to Australia. It is not clear if they are still in hospital or have returned to prison.

All three are at risk of further abuse from guards and prisoners when they are returned to prison where Sumith's brother, Indika, is already being held.

"This is an appalling situation that calls into question the actions of both the Sri Lankan and Australian governments," said Madhu Malhotra, Amnesty International's Deputy Director for Asia.

"Both governments are culpable in the forced return and mistreatment these men have endured, and both must bear responsibility for the results of their policies and procedures."

Sumith Mendis and Indika Mendis were detained in 2009 at the Christmas Island detention centre after the boat they were crew members on was stopped by Australian authorities and found to be carrying Sri Lankan asylum-seekers.

They were deported to Sri Lanka and promptly arrested and handed over to the Central Investigative Department (CID).

Sumith Mendis was released, but Indika Mendis was tortured in CID custody, sustaining severe ear injuries before being transferred to the notorious Negombo prison where he was held for eight months.

On 14 August 2010, the brothers were arrested again, apparently on suspicion that they were again planning to migrate to Australia. Sumith Mendis was then tortured by the CID for six days, experiencing beatings and psychological abuse.

On 22 August, the brothers were taken to Negombo prison, along with Lasantha Wijeratne, another Sri Lankan who had also been deported from Australia and tortured in custody.

Following examination by a judicial medical officer, Sumith Mendis and Lasantha Wijeratne were transferred to the hospital.

They now face the risk of abuse by both prisoners and guards when they are again taken to Negombo prison unless authorities take the necessary steps to ensure their safety.

"The Sri Lankan Authorities must ensure that all three men are not subject to any more torture or ill-treatment, either at the hands of the CID or prisoners or guards in Negombo prison," said Madhu Malhotra.

"The Australian government must re-examine its claims that asylum-seekers returned to countries they are fleeing from are not subjected to torture and mistreatment."

Australia asylum suspension could harm world's most vulnerable (News, 9 April 2010)

Two of the men were detained on Christmas Island before their forced return to Sri Lanka

Junichi (right) and Toru (left) working on their defence during their trial (c) Sutton-Hibbert/Greenpeace

Two years ago, Junichi Sato and Toru Suzuki exposed a scandal involving government corruption entrenched within the tax-payer funded Japanese whaling industry. They are on trial for theft and trespass, and are awaiting the verdict due this coming Monday.

This will be the first blog Toru and I have written together, as up until recently our heavy bail restrictions have meant that we could not be in the same room or even talk to each other without a lawyer present.

The verdict in our trial is approaching, and on Monday 6 September we will know what our fate is. We don't really know what the result would be, all we know now is that it is going to show the status of Japanese democracy. It's a long way from where it was when this case started - our investigation  to end Japan's whaling.

Support the Tokyo Two

Help Junichi and Toru and join the online march for justiceIn early 2008, following tip offs from a whistleblower and a four-month investigation into the embezzlement of whale meat by the crew of the Japan's whaling fleet, we were closing in on evidence  that could finally end this whaling programme.

Annual protest actions in the Southern Ocean have raised awareness and created international outcry about this destructive and completely unnecessary hunt, however, it was clear that the only place Japanese whaling would ever be ended was at home in Japan. When we intercepted a box of embezzled whale meat, we knew we finally had the evidence to prove the corrupt nature of the industry and shut it down by bringing an end to its huge taxpayer subsidies.

We knew the industry would not go quietly, we didn't expect the harsh reaction that was to come. 

At the start the media strongly covered the embezzlement scandal, and asked serious questions about the industry for the first time. However, one month after we exposed the large-scale theft of whale meat and embarrassed the authorities, they struck back, and had us arrested, interrogated, detained for 26 days and finally charged with "theft" and "trespass".

The media were tipped off about our arrest and the raids of our homes, so when the images of our arrest appeared on national television the embezzlement scandal was dismissed and we were immediately seen as criminals by the public.

This has been our image for the last two years - until now.

In the last week alone we have seen three hugely positive articles appear in major newspapers around Japan. All of them detailed our trial and the flimsy, contradictory nature of the prosecution case against us, discussed the embezzlement and the rights of NGOs to expose wrongdoing, asked serious questions about human rights in Japan, and, finally, seriously questioned the legitimacy of the whaling programme.

We have come full circle and for the first time since the embezzlement scandal broke there is serious, positive discussion about the legitimacy of the whaling programme, and for once the arguments are not based on Fisheries Agency propaganda. Japanese society has changed and we are finding support wherever we turn.

On Monday the judges will hand down their verdict, and we are very much looking forward to it. We have proved our case, and anyone who looks at the facts with a clear mind can see that we should be acquitted, and that the official case simply does not stand up to even the most basic questioning.

That said, given Japan's harsh 99.8% conviction rate, we understand that our chance of a good result is low, so while we are optimistic that we have advanced civil society and put whaling on trial both in court and in the media, we are also anxious about our fate.

Our families and friends are with us all the way. They can only accept an acquittal as they know we have committed no crime. They want us to fight as hard as we can, and were very happy to see the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention's support for our case, but there is a definite feeling that our argument is ten years ahead of Japanese society. This has been a difficult few years, and our actions have come at great personal cost, but we have to win for ourselves, for whales, for Greenpeace and for Japanese society.

We believe that this verdict is going to be a landmark for Japanese society. Aomori District court is being forced to make decisions in front of both the domestic and international audience whether Japan is ready to be a true democratic society, a society where citizens have the right to speak up in the public interests - or not.

Everyone we know is with us, and we could not have gotten this far without their and your support. We have finally kick-started the discussion about whaling, activism and civil rights that Japan desperately needs to have. Whatever happens on Monday, we know in our hearts that we did the right thing, and sooner or later, we will win this fight.

Support Junichi and Toru as they await their verdict - join our Online March for Justice for the Tokyo Two.

This was the scene on the Esperanza's bridge as Luke called through to Sim on the Stena Don for the last time, as the climbers prepared to leave the oil rig. Apologies for the audio which is a bit fuzzy, but here's a transcript:

S: Esperanza, this is Alpha Climb, go ahead
L: Er you called us, over.
S: Oops, sorry about that. We just finished our last battery so this [radio] will be our sole means of communication over
L: Copy that, you will only be on VHF, only on VHF. The police on board have channel 67 to communicate with you. Please communicate with them when needed. Suggest you eat your remaining food, have a rest, and then slowly make your way out as and when the time is right, over.
S: Esperanza this is Alpha Climb, understand the police have channel 67 for communicating with us. Um, we copy that we should communicate with them to negotiate our exit.
L: Copy that, you should communicate with them and make your own way out. If you need assistance they are willing to assist you in any way necessary. If you need a line, please communicate with them directly as to where you want it, and make your way safely onboard.
S: Esperanza, Climb Team Alpha, understood, we will be standing by for that communication over.
L: Copy that, have a nice climb, out

Esperanza calls back:
S: Esperanza Climb Team Alpha, go ahead.
L: Yes, Climb Team Alpha, one more thing:We just want you to appreciate the mangnitude of the event you have undertaken. We are just approaching 40 hours, 40 hours of stopping drilling in the Baffin Bay area, please stand-by for one final communication from the Esperanza:
[Massive cheer erupts from the ship's crew]
Understood, over?
S: Esperanza, Climb Team Alpha, well understood! It has been truly a pleasure working with y'all and we hope to see you in the not very distant future! Over.
L: Indeed, we look forward to seeing you hopefully sometime in the next 24 hours. This is the Esperanza. Out.

The independent audit which Sinar Mas thought would absolve it of deforestation, peatland clearance and law-breaking is now exploding in front of its face like a firework in a munitions factory.

Greenpeace campaigners and supporters in the US have been demanding that Burger King drops Sinar Mas as a supplier until the group commits to ending deforestation and yesterday it did just that, announcing that "the report has raised valid concerns about some of the sustainability practices of Sinar Mas' palm oil production and its impact on the rainforest".

So now the evidence is coming in of how companies will respond to the audit (and the way Sinar Mas tried to conceal its findings by misleading customers, journalists and the stock markets).

Unilever said it wouldn't be reinstating Sinar Mas as a supplier until issues raised in the audit are addressed, but Burger King is the first big name customer Sinar Mas has lost since the audit was released and shows just how out of touch the Indonesian conglomerate remains.

While Burger King, Unilever, Nestle, Kraft and other companies want to avoid being linked to deforestation, Sinar Mas has continued destroying forests and draining peatlands. Our US colleagues are also working on Pizza Hut, KFC and Dunkin Donuts, asking them to follow in Burger King's footsteps.

In its announcement on its Facebook page, Burger King said:

"...the report has raised valid concerns about some of the sustainability practices of Sinar Mas' palm oil production and its impact on the rainforest. These practices are inconsistent with our corporate responsibility commitments.

"As a result, we have decided we will no longer purchase palm oil from Sinar Mas or its subsidiaries.  We are in the process of transitioning to a new palm oil supplier for the 176 Burger King restaurants that were supplied by Sinar Mas. In addition, we are notifying our suppliers of our intent to discontinue the use of palm oil supplied by Sinar Mas in the manufacturing of our products."

As with all corporate commitments, there are still details to work out with Burger King. They need to explain how they're going to handle indirect supplies of Sinar Mas palm oil and whether their rainforest policy will be amended to include other commodities like pulp and paper. We'll also be asking them about how they're implementing existing commitments they've made in relation to sourcing their beef from the Amazon.

Ben writes about this morning's events from the Esperanza...

Well, that was dramatic. Yesterday afternoon, the seas started churning and our huge banner on the oil rig was twisting and flapping as a gale blew up. I spoke to the four activists under rig and they assured me they were fine. They had self-heating meals and water and were still doing interviews, telling the world about Cairn Energy’s plans to spark an Arctic oil rush.

I kept eyeing the scene through the porthole in my cabin with concern. The swell was heaving and the lips of the waves were breaking white across the stretch of sea separating the Esperanza from the rig. The weather forecast on the screen on the bridge looked ominous – lots of grim symbols over the coast west of Greenland – while a quick duck outside had my eyes watering with the cold.

Ending the occupation of the Stena Don was a big call for us. We’d stopped it drilling for oil here, while the other rig being operated by Cairn, the Stena Forth, was also closed down due to our actions. Think about that – because of the millions of supporters who let us operate our ships, four ordinary blokes from four different countries were able to come up here and put their bodies in the way of the Arctic oil rush, and they stopped it.

They didn’t just protest about it – they actually stopped it. The drills stopped turning.

But now a freezing gale has stopped us. Anybody who saw the images of our camp under the rig will appreciate how harsh the conditions were last night for the guys. When I radioed them and talked about the need to come down, they were disappointed the direct action was about to end but stunningly professional. Straight away they were working out how to get safely on to the platform gantry, where police were waiting for them (our guys obsess about safety, it’s a thing to behold, and is at odds with the image our opponents like to paint).

So they’re in police custody now. But before it was over I spoke to Sim McKenna from the United States. He’s been a star these past three weeks since we left London, and as ever he found the words at the right time, despite hanging under an oil rig over freezing seas as a storm rolled in.

"We stopped this rig drilling for oil for two days, but in the end the Arctic weather beat us. Last night was freezing and now the sea below us is churning and the wind is roaring. It’s time to come down, but we’re proud we slowed the mad rush for Arctic oil, if only for a couple of days.

"This beautiful fragile arctic environment would be decimated by an oil spill. The melting Arctic ice is a grim reminder that we need to stop burning oil and invest instead in clean energy solutions.

"I’m not sure what will happen to us now, but as soon as we can we'll be back to call for the world to finally go beyond oil. It is time for people everywhere to take a stand, to call on their governments to fight climate change, ban dangerous deep sea drilling and invest in clean energy solutions that will protect the world's fragile environments from cowboy oil companies like Cairn Energy."

-- Ben

BP's Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico

Today our lawyers sent a letter to the UK government threatening legal action over their decision to continue giving licenses for deep sea oil drilling even before we know for certain the causes of the Deepwater Horizon explosion.

We're asking the government to stop giving out these licenses for new offshore drilling and to carry out a comprehensive new environmental assessment into offshore oil. It's not just irrational to give out licenses without this new environmental assessment; we believe it's also a breach of European and UK law.

We want the UK to follow Obama's lead and introduce a moratorium on deep sea drilling. As the US Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salizar, said when introducing their moratorium: "A pause on deep sea drilling is essential and appropriate to protect communities, coasts, and wildlife from the risks that deepwater drilling currently pose… I am basing my decision on evidence that grows every day of the industry’s inability in the deepwater to contain a catastrophic blow out, respond to an oil spill, and to operate safely."

Our lawyers have a strong record. You may remember that they helped us to get the last government's nuclear and aviation policies changed.

This is just the first step in the legal process. If the government does not give us an undertaking within 14 days that it will stop the licensing and do a new environmental assessment, we plan to go to court.

Read how the story was covered in the Financial Times today.

Picture of Sim yesterday morning on the rig

It’s five in the morning Greenland time and the last few hours have been quite insane. Last night, with the Espy pitching and rocking, and cups flying all over the place, we knew we had to get Timo, Meteusz, Sim and Jens off the rig. The worst of the Arctic weather was closing in, and their tiny tents were not going to be enough to keep them safe.

Our friends had to climb up onto the rig. Due to the strong winds it took them a bit more than four hours to get up there, and when they did they were met by police and taken peacefully into custody.

Looking out of my porthole at the massive waves, and feeling the movements of the Esperanza, there is no doubt in my mind that they took the right decision. I hope and believe that this action will be remembered as the first step against our blind and reckless hunt for the last drops of oil on the planet. Our friends accomplished something amazing and showed the sort of courage and dedication that politicians and industry should learn from.

Before ending the occupation, Sim said this on the sat phone:

"We stopped this rig drilling for oil for two days, but in the end the Arctic weather beat us. Last night was freezing and now the sea below us is churning and the wind is roaring. It’s time to come down, but we’re proud we slowed the mad rush for Arctic oil, if only for a couple of days. This beautiful fragile environment would be decimated by an oil spill, while the melting Arctic ice is a grim reminder that we need to stop burning oil and invest instead in clean energy solutions. I’m not sure what will happen to us now, but as soon as we can we’ll be back to call for the world to finally go beyond oil."

While our four climbers have been arrested, our confrontation with the oil industry is gathering pace. Our colleagues back in the UK have just launched a legal challenge against deepwater drilling. We believe that the government's granting of new deepwater drilling licenses in the UK is not only irrational, but illegal.

I want to thank all of you for helping us do this important work -  from your letters to the UK government and Cairn to all your messages of support. Being able to confront the oil industry - out here in the Arctic waters and back home on land - is only possible because of your support. We don't take any corporate or government funding and that means we remain independent and able to challenge everyone in a position of power who is destroying our environment or taking risks with the health of our planet. We need your help to stop deepwater drilling and move the world beyond oil. Please make a donation today so that we can continue to campaign for a clean energy future.

I'll keep you updated as soon as I have any more news.

Thanks for all your support,

Lisa - on board the Esperanza

Wednesday 1 September 2010

Up to six people, including two children, were reportedly killed in the capital Maputo on Wednesday during clashes between police and demonstrators.

Amnesty International has urged Mozambique’s police not to use live ammunition to disperse violent demonstrations in the capital Maputo unless lives are at risk.

According to media reports up to six people, including two children, were killed on Wednesday during clashes between police and demonstrators protesting the rising price of commodities in the country. The protests are continuing across the city.

“While we recognize that the police are trying to contain a violent protest, live ammunition - which amounts to lethal force - should not be used except when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life,” said Muluka-Anne Miti, Amnesty International’s Mozambique researcher.

Amnesty International calls on the Mozambique police authorities to ensure that police have non-lethal means of force at their disposal to control the situation and disperse the demonstrators.

A text message has been circulating in Maputo encouraging demonstrators to continue their protests till Friday, according to information obtained by Amnesty International.

According to a recent Amnesty International report at least 46 people were unlawfully killed by the police in Mozambique between January 2006 and the end of 2009.

“The government must conduct an impartial and independent investigation in the circumstances surrounding today’s deaths and if people were killed unlawfully prosecute those responsible,” said Muluka-Anne Miti.

Despite repeated requests, the authorities have provided Amnesty International with very little information into investigations into police killings in Mozambique, including during visits to the country.

In some cases, Amnesty International was told that investigations were not carried out because the killing was presumed to be lawful.

International standards require an effective investigation be carried out into all cases of death or serious injury as a result of use of force or firearms by the police.

Watch Sim talk about his "relatively comfortable" night dangling off the underside of Cairn's Stena Don rig. Our four climbers are still on Cairn's rig, stopping the company from continuing its dangerous drilling in Arctic waters.

Read more at: www.GoBeyondOil.org

Wednesday 1 September 2010

Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have urged the Cambodian government to immediately release a human rights worker who was sentenced to two years in prison for giving out anti-government leaflets.

Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have urged the Cambodian government to immediately release a human rights worker who was sentenced to two years in prison for giving out anti-government leaflets.

Leang Sokchouen, who works for the Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO), was convicted on charges of "disinformation" on Monday after a trial marked by numerous procedural flaws.

Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) have called or Sokchoeun’s release in a joint statement. 

“This conviction once again highlights the lack of independence and impartiality of the courts, which are all too often used as a tool against the less powerful, rather than to uphold their rights,” said Donna Guest, Amnesty International’s Asia-Pacific deputy director.
 
Cambodian police arrested Sokchouen on 29 May on charges of involvement in the production and distribution of anti-government leaflets in Takeo province in January.

He was held incommunicado for over 33 hours, despite numerous requests by his family and lawyer to visit him. Sokchouen was given a US$500 fine, plus a two-year prison sentence.

“Unfounded charges of disinformation or defamation are well-worn tactics used by the Cambodian government to create a climate of fear,” said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch.
 
Souhayr Belhassen, FIDH President, added: “We reiterate our call to the Cambodian authorities to abolish the crimes of defamation and disinformation in Cambodian criminal law and ensure that the Criminal Code is not used to abusively restrict the right to freedom of expression.”

Eric Sottas, Secretary General of OMCT, urged the Cambodian authorities to free the activist.

“Leang Sokchouen should be immediately and unconditionally released as his detention is arbitrary and due process was blatantly violated throughout investigation and trial,” he said.

Publication Date:  Thursday 2 September 2010

A new Amnesty International briefing points to serious gaps in the enforcement and monitoring of the ban on discrimination and segregation in the Slovak educational system.

Teaser image:  Amnesty International Index Number:  EUR 72/009/2010 EUR 72/004/2010

Amnesty International has urged the Slovak government to immediately end the segregation of Romani children in the country's education system.

This practice leaves thousands of Romani pupils in substandard education in schools and classes for pupils with "mild mental disabilities" or ethnically segregated mainstream schools and classes.

In a briefing to the Slovak government, Steps to end segregation in education, Amnesty International points to serious gaps in the enforcement and monitoring of the ban on discrimination and segregation in the Slovak educational system.

"Romani children across Slovakia remain trapped in a school system that keeps failing them as a result of widespread discrimination. It deprives Romani children of equal opportunities and sentences them to a life of poverty and marginalization," said David Diaz-Jogeix, Amnesty International Europe and Central Asia Deputy Director.

"The Slovak government has much to do to end the segregation that has an impact on a large part of the country's population. Segregation in education means a life-long stigma for children whose future chances are brutally limited. It is a practice that does not belong to 21st century Europe and must be eliminated."

Segregation of Romani children takes various forms: special schools or special classes within mainstream schools designed for pupils with "mild mental disabilities" and mainstream Roma-only schools and classes.

While Roma are estimated to comprise less than 10 per cent of Slovakia's total population, they make up 60 per cent of the pupils in special schools, according to a 2009 survey.

In regions with high Romani populations three out of every four pupils in special schools are Roma. Eighty five per cent of the children in special classes in mainstream schools across the country are Roma.

The causes of segregation are complex and include entrenched anti-Roma attitudes as well as policy failures in the education system such as early and flawed child assessment and insufficient support for Romani children within mainstream education.

Widespread anti-Romani sentiment across the country expressed by non-Roma parents and educational professionals, has also led to segregation of Romani children even in mainstream schools and classes.

This has led to a situation in which Romani children are sometimes literally locked into separate classrooms, corridors or buildings to prevent them from mixing with non-Roma pupils.

The coalition government's programme adopted in August 2010, included the commitment to eliminate segregated schooling of Roma.

Amnesty International said it is concerned that this has not been followed by a clear and unequivocal statement by the head of government that ethnic discrimination and segregation of Roma is unacceptable and will be combated as a matter of priority.  

"The idea that separate can be equal has been discredited. Slovakia cannot continue to deny its Romani children their right to education without discrimination," David Diaz-Jogeix said.
 
"The choices that the government makes now will affect the lives of thousands of Romani children. The government holds the key to allow the Roma in Slovakia full participation in Slovak and European society."  

Amnesty International called on the Slovak authorities to:

• Provide the State School Inspectorate with adequate resources, including robust, detailed guidelines and procedures on how to identify, monitor and combat segregation in practice;
• Begin the systematic collection of data on education, disaggregated on the basis of gender and ethnicity;
• Introduce a clear duty on all schools to desegregate education and provide them with effective support;
• Introduce adequate support measures for Roma and non-Roma children who need extra assistance, so that they may achieve their fullest potential within mainstream schools.

This work is part of Amnesty International’s Demand Dignity campaign which aims to end the human rights violations that drive and deepen global poverty. The campaign will mobilise people all over the world to demand that governments, corporations and others who have power listen to the voices of those living in poverty and recognise and protect their rights. For more information visit the Demand Dignity pages

Read more:
Campaigning to end segregation of Romani children Slovak schools (Blog, 3 September 2010)
Take part in Amnesty International's photo petition for Roma children in Slovakia
Call on the Prime Minister of Slovakia to end the segregation of Romani children in schools

Files:  How Romani children are discriminated against in the Slovak education system Thousands of Romani children in Slovakia receive a substandard education They are deprived of equal opportunities and face a life of poverty and marginalization

Wednesday 1 September 2010

Amnesty International urges the country's parliament to reject a draft law, set to be debated this week, prohibiting the wearing in public of clothes which prevent identification.

Amnesty International has urged the Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina to reject a draft law, set to be debated on Wednesday, prohibiting the wearing in public of clothes which prevent identification.

"If adopted, such a law would violate the human rights of women who choose to wear a full-face veil as an expression of their religious, cultural political or personal identity or beliefs. It would violate their right to freedom of expression and religion," said Marek Marczynski, Amnesty International's researcher on Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"At the same time, a general ban on wearing full-face veils in public could result in some women being confined to their homes and unable to participate in public life."
 
The draft law envisages imposing penalties such as a fine of 100 KM (50 euro) or imprisonment between one and seven days.  

The advocates of the law have been arguing that its adoption is needed in order to address security concerns, however they have failed to identify them.

However, Amnesty International said it believes that Bosnia and Herzegovina already has a legal framework which is able to address this issue.

Under international human rights law the exercise of the right to freedom of expression and to manifest religious belief can only be restricted when necessary and proportionate.

This may include certain clearly defined restrictions on the wearing of full-face veils if that is shown to be necessary for a legitimate purpose such as protecting public safety.

"Any such measures must be the least restrictive to achieve that purpose. For example, a requirement to show one's face in demonstrably high-risk locations or to lift a veil when requested by a police officer for a necessary identity check," said Marek Marczynski.

The draft law was proposed by the Serbian Alliance of Independent Social Democrats. It comes before the parliamentary elections scheduled for 3 October.

Amnesty International said it is also concerned that the law may have a negative impact on inter-ethnic relations in Bosnia and Herzegovina as it may be perceived by some Muslim citizens of the country as an attack on their identity.

"The authorities and politicians representing all nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina must work together to resolve all political issues in ways which are consistent with human rights standards," said Marek Marczynski.

It has also been asserted that some women may be wearing a full-face veil under pressure from their families or communities.

States are obliged under international law to protect women against pressure or coercion in their homes or communities to wear full-face veils.

However, they should do this by taking steps to combat gender stereotypes and discriminatory attitudes and, where appropriate, by intervening in individual cases through criminal or family law.

"Imposing bans on what people choose to wear is neither going to address the stated security concerns, nor will it help to combat gender discrimination in the country," said Marek Marczynski

Amnesty International has also opposed similar legislation in France, Belgium and other European countries.

France votes to ban full-face veils (News, 13 July 2010)
Spanish politicians urged to reject bans on full-face veils (News, 29 June 2010)
French politicians urged to reject ban on full face veils (News, 19 May 2010)
Belgium votes to ban full-face veils (News, 30 April 2010)

The new law would would violate women's rights to freedom of expression and religion

Our four climbers have spent the night in sub-zero temperatures, hanging off the bottom of Cairn's Arctic oil rig - the Stena Don. While we're attached to the rig, Cairn Energy can't continue their reckless drilling.

For live updates visit www.GoBeyondOil.org

Here's a video of how they scaled up the legs of the rig, followed by a quick interview with Sim - from the US - talking about why they're there.

Sleeping in tiny tents suspended from the rig, Sim is joined by Timo from Finland, Mateusz from Poland, and Jens from Germany and they've taken enough food with them to last a few days. The hope is that if they can hang on long enough, Cairn will miss the summer drilling window, and have to wait until next year when the sheet ice melts again.

But the situation is still tense. We're getting reports that a second Danish navy warship is heading to the area and the police have already used hooks to tear one of the banners off them.

We're in contact with the climbers and will let you know the latest as it happens. While they're still hanging in there, listen to Sim talking about why he became an activist and why although he doesn't want to get arrested, sometimes you have to take action.

Tuesday 31 August 2010

Amnesty International has welcomed the release of a Mexican indigenous human rights activist who was imprisoned for over two years on a fabricated murder charge.

Amnesty International has welcomed the release of a Mexican indigenous human rights activist who was imprisoned for over two years on a fabricated murder charge.

Raúl Hernández was acquitted by a judge in Guerrero State on Friday 27 August and immediately released.

“The release of Raúl Hernández is a very welcome step. The Mexican authorities must now investigate his unfounded prosecution and compensate him fully for his unfair imprisonment," said Rupert Knox of Amnesty International.

"The prolonged detention and prosecution of Raúl Hernández is part of a systematic campaign by the Mexican authorities against members of the Me'phaa Indigenous People’s Organization (Organización del Pueblo Indígena Me’phaa, OPIM) for standing up in defence of their people’s human rights."

Speaking after his release to Alberto Herrera, Executive Director of Amnesty International Mexico, Raúl Hernández said: "I want to thank Amnesty International and the people of many countries who worked for my freedom."

Amnesty International has been campaigning for Raúl Hernández’s release since November 2008 when he was adopted as a prisoner of conscience.

It believes that the case against him was a reprisal by local authorities for his legitimate activities promoting indigenous rights with the Me'phaa Indigenous People's Organization (Organización del Pueblo Indígena Me’phaa, OPIM).
 
On 17 April 2008, Raúl Hernández was one of five OPIM members wrongfully arrested and charged for the murder of Alejandro Feliciano Garcia on 1 January in the village of El Camalote, Guerrero State.

The other four; Manuel Cruz, Orlando Manzanarez, Natalio Ortega, Romualdo Santiago were later released after a federal judicial review.

The federal review judge refused to release Raúl Hernández arguing that two witnesses had testified to his presence during the time of the murder.

The judge ignored other eyewitness testimonies saying that Raúl Hernández was not present.

The case was returned to the state courts where Raúl Hernández's defence lawyers’ secured further evidential hearings, one of which confirmed that the prosecution’s eyewitnesses had provided unreliable testimony.

"The case of Raúl Hernández illustrates the vulnerability of human rights activists in Mexico. Not only are they victims of unlawful detentions and imprisonment on unfounded charges, but they also face harassment, intimidation, threats and even killings," said Rupert Knox

The southern state of Guerrero is home to about 116,000 Me’ phaa Indigenous People. It has one of the highest levels of marginalisation and some of the lowest indicators of human development in Mexico, according to local human rights organization Tlachinollan Centro de Derechos Humanos de la Montaña.
 
OPIM was founded in 2002 to defend and promote the rights of the Me’ phaa Indigenous People.

Amnesty International has documented a pattern of harassment and intimidation against members of Indigenous rights organizations in Guerrero state, such as the OPIM over a number of years.

Raúl Hernández was wrongfully arrested and charged with murder in January 2008 Footage of Raúl Hernández and his struggle since being imprisoned

In the last couple of hours, we've received this footage from the Esperanza from this morning's daring occupation of the Stena Don, the oil rig operated by Cairn Energy. It shows just what an amazing feat the guys and gals there have pulled off, not least evading the Danish navy and scaling the oil rig legs.

Picture of Sim from the US, setting up an occupation platform. Leila, on board the Esperanza, writes:

Blimey, this is exciting! Up at 4am, the crew scuttling around the Espy, all the portholes shut tight so that the Navy had no idea we were even awake. Nine brave activists eased into their dry suits and safety gear in the Lounge, a place usually reserved for chillaxing.

Up on the bridge the Captain, surrounded by the ice pilot, the 2nd and 3rd mates, and the actions team, was watching through his binoculars as the 1st mate snuck onto the deck. Checking the sleepy Navy warship once more, Captain raised his hand and our inflatable boats lowered silently into the water.

Still the police and the Navy, with their team of commandos onboard did not respond. At 5.45 am the Captain said one word over the radio, on a channel we rarely use: 'Go'.

In moments the three boats carrying our brave climbers had crossed the 500m security line and arrived at the legs of the Stena Don. Still no response. As we watched through our binoculars, Sim from the US, Jens from Germany, Mateusz from Poland and finally Timo from Finland made their way up the legs of the rig like spidermen.

Finally, the Navy launched their inflatables and commandos. Too late. Our boats were already on their way back. Alpha, one of ours, was chased briefly by the police, but the futility of their effort was clear as Alpha sailed smoothly away and back to its cradle - ready to be winched up onto the Esperanza.

Huge thanks to all those of you who have supported us as we've borne witness to Cairn's catastrophe waiting to happen in this freezing wonderland. The watching is over. The action has begun. We are stopping the Stena Don drilling for oil, their window to complete the drilling is brief before the sea ice returns for the winter. Our climbers are prepared to stay as long as it takes to run Cairn out of time.

- Leila Deen