Look To The Stars News: Amnesty International

Exclusive Interview: Blurred Vision Talks John Lennon, Peace And Bill Maher

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 12:15:00 +0000

LookToTheStars.org first interviewed Blurred Vision in 2010 after the release of their first video, a remake of Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick In The Wall” which was dubbed “Hey Ayatollah Leave Those Kids Alone.”

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10064-exclusive-interview-blurred-vision-talks-john-lennon-peace-and-bill-maher

Lucy Lawless Slams New Zealand Government Move To Criminalize Protests At Sea

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 20:15:00 +0000

Lucy Lawless has joined a range of well-known New Zealand groups and individuals in slamming the government’s controversial move to criminalize aspects of peaceful protests at sea.

In a joint statement, Greenpeace, Rt Hon Geoffrey Palmer QC, Peter Williams QC, WWF, Forest and Bird, Dame Anne Salmond, Rikirangi Gage of Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Sir Ngatata Love, the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions, George Armstrong (founder of the Peace Squadron), Amnesty International NZ, Lucy Lawless and many others, say that Simon Bridges’ “new law is a sledgehammer designed to attack peaceful protest” and is “being bundled through Parliament without proper scrutiny despite its significant constitutional, democratic and human rights implications.”

The amendments to the Crown Minerals Bill, announced by Simon Bridges on Easter Sunday, “breach international law, and attack our democratic freedoms” say the group.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/9993-lucy-lawless-slams-new-zealand-government-move-to-criminalize-protests-at-sea

Sting And Trudie Styler To Be Awarded We Are Family Foundation Humanitarian Award

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 16:35:00 +0000

The We Are Family Foundation (WAFF), a not-for-profit organization founded by legendary songwriter and producer, Nile Rodgers, will honor Humanitarian Award recipients Sting and Trudie Styler at its inaugural We Are Family HONORS event on Thursday, April 11, 2013, at Manhattan Center’s Grand Ballroom in New York City.

Artists and activists Sting and Trudie Styler will receive the Humanitarian Award, which honors those in the public eye who have made tremendous efforts and inroads to improving the human condition throughout the world. Previous recipients of the Humanitarian Award include musical legends Jackson Browne, Peter Gabriel, Sir Elton John, and television and radio host Larry King.

Sting and Trudie Styler are committed to helping make a difference for children around the world and protecting the environment. In 1989, the couple founded the Rainforest Fund, an organization devoted to protecting rainforests and their indigenous peoples. To date they have raised more than $30 million for the cause and have expanded to a network of interconnected organizations in more than 20 countries. Sting’s support for human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Live Aid mirrors his art in its universal outreach. From raising funds and awareness for the UNICEF End Child Exploitation and United Against AIDS campaigns to visiting tsunami-affected Sri Lanka in solidarity with those affected by the devastating disaster, Trudie Styler has been a leading voice on behalf of some of the poorest and most vulnerable children on earth.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/9954-sting-and-trudie-styler-to-be-awarded-we-are-family-foundation-humanitarian-award

Annie Lennox Issues Call Of Action Over Violence Towards Women In South Africa

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 14:30:00 +0000

Annie Lennox has issued a call to action, in response to the epidemic of violence that has been taking place against women and girls in South Africa for years.

The petition implores South African media, key government officials, and religious leaders to make a commitment of personal and professional responsibility, in order to ensure that the issue of gender-based violence is never marginalized again.

Signatories include The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory (Nelson Mandela Foundation), Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, Medecins Sans Frontiers, Treatment Action Campaign, Amnesty International South Africa and CTAOP (Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project)

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/9789-annie-lennox-issues-call-of-action-over-violence-towards-women-in-south-africa

Hard Rock Releases U2 T-Shirt For Charity

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 16:30:00 +0000

Hard Rock is proud to launch its U2 Signature Series: Edition 30 T-shirt in support of human rights around the globe.

Through a partnership between EDUN LIVE and Hard Rock, the limited-edition shirt will be available in stores and online, with 15% of the retail price benefitting Amnesty International in support of the organization’s human rights campaigning efforts worldwide.

The world’s top artists and bands have collaborated with Hard Rock International for more than two decades as part of the brand’s acclaimed Signature Series program, helping to raise millions for a variety of worthy endeavors globally.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/9416-hard-rock-releases-u2-t-shirt-for-charity

Book Review: JK Rowling's The Casual Vacancy

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 13:00:00 +0000

JK Rowling's new book, The Casual Vacancy, was released in September, and shows a grittier side of the author who brought us Harry Potter. But the book does more than just provide us with a window into the private and dysfunctional lives of the fictional village of Pagford – it shows a side of Rowling that cares about people in the community.

The Casual Vacancy

The characters in Rowling’s book are essentially at low points in their lives – something Rowling knows from experience. The publication of the Harry Potter books is one of the most inspiring rags-to-riches stories of modern times – Rowling went almost over night from a benefit-dependent single mother suffering from depression to the first living author to earn a billion dollars from her books. And it was while she was at rock bottom that she witnessed the sorts of characters who populate The Casual Vacancy.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/9333-book-review-jk-rowlings-the-casual-vacancy

Jon Secada To Star In Loving The Silent Tears For Charity

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 13:00:00 +0000

The red carpet premiere of Loving the Silent Tears: A New Musical, anticipated as one of the most star-studded, spectacular year-end events, will be held on October 27 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.

The event will also feature red carpet arrivals, an art exhibit and the live performance. Ranging from $45 to $75, Tickets are available now at the Grove Concierge, as well as Ticketmaster.com. The show will donate a portion of the proceeds to such charitable organizations as: Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Amnesty International, Animal Defenders International and Worldwide Veterinary Service.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/9161-jon-secada-to-star-in-loving-the-silent-tears-for-charity

Peter Gabriel Performs At WITNESS Benefit

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 13:45:00 +0000

Human rights organization WITNESS last week celebrated 20 years of collaborative activism with musicians, celebrities and human rights supporters at its 8th Annual Focus for Change Benefit held at the Roseland Ballroom.

Emmanuel Jal, Peter Gabriel, Feist and Alan Cumming at WITNESS 20th Anniversary Benefit.

Hosted by award winning actor and long-time supporter of LGBT rights Alan Cumming, the evening kicked off with a journey – taking guests back in time 20 years to look at how WITNESS and its partners have used video in human rights campaigns over the years.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/9096-peter-gabriel-performs-at-witness-benefit

Lady Gaga To Be Honored With LennonOno Grant For Peace

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 14:30:00 +0000

On October 9th, 2012, in Reykjavik, Iceland, Yoko Ono will give the Biennial LENNONONO GRANT FOR PEACE to five activists, including Lady Gaga, Pussy Riot, Rachel Corrie, John Perkins, and Christopher Hitchens.

“Lady Gaga is one of the biggest living artists of our time,” said Yoko. "She is not only an artist, she is also an activist, using her art to bring better communication to the world. She is being acknowledged for her activism, and how her album “Born This Way” has widely changed the mental map of the world. And how it has made us deal with the future world, which happens to be here already."

Lady Gaga will accept the award in person, and accept a charitable donation that she will in turn gift to the Elton John AIDS Foundation to support their work combating HIV among disadvantaged youth in the U.S.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/9060-lady-gaga-to-be-honored-with-lennonono-grant-for-peace

Music Industry Stands Against The Kremlin

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 14:45:00 +0000

One night last February, five members of a feminist punk band called Pussy Riot entered Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow to film a brief (40 seconds), mimed performance behind the iconostasis, where women are not allowed, and left when church orderlies asked them to. Outside, police took the names of three of the women and then let them go.

Two weeks later, after Russian president Vladimir Putin was re-elected amidst unprecedented public protests against him, and after the band’s “Virgin Mary, redeem us of Putin” video was posted on YouTube, the three were arrested and charged with inciting religious hatred, which could result in two to seven years in prison.

International concern over the disproportional severity of the charges against the group members may be in part what has prompted Putin to publically call for leniency. Prosecutors are now asking for two to three-year sentences instead of the maximum.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/8776-music-industry-stands-against-the-kremlin

Sting Joins Amnesty International In Supporting Pussy Riot

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 09:30:00 +0000

Sting has joined Amnesty International in condemning the Russian authorities’ treatment of Pussy Riot, a Russian punk rock protest band.

Last week, a court in Moscow ruled that three members of the female punk group Pussy Riot must remain in pre-trial custody for six more months after members of the group sang a protest song in Moscow’s main Orthodox church in February.

Pussy Riot performed the protest song “Virgin Mary, redeem us of Putin” in Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow on 21 February, with several group members covering their faces in balaclavas. The song called on Virgin Mary to become a feminist and banish Vladimir Putin. It also criticized the dedication and support shown to Putin by some representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church. It was one of a number of performances intended as a protest against Mr. Putin in the run-up to Russia’s March presidential elections.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/8715-sting-joins-amnesty-international-in-supporting-pussy-riot

Stars Unite Over Arms Trade

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 20:10:00 +0000

International artists including Keira Knightley, Yoko Ono, Scarlett Johansson, Coldplay, Tim Roth, Annie Lennox and Kevin Spacey have joined forces to demand governments take immediate action to help improve regulation of the international arms trade.

Later today, representatives from more than 190 governments meet in New York for the first day of a month-long negotiation at the United Nations to agree an Arms Trade Treaty, which will control the supply of weapons, ammunition and armaments.

An effective Arms Trade Treaty would be based on a “Golden Rule”: if there is a substantial risk that arms exported to another country are likely to be used for serious human rights abuses; violations of international humanitarian law; or to undermine sustainable development, those arms supplies must be stopped.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/8592-stars-unite-over-arms-trade

Bono To Present Aung San Suu Kyi With Amnesty International Award

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 14:30:00 +0000

Irish and international artists from the worlds of music, drama, cinema and dance, will perform and give readings at the ‘Electric Burma’ concert for Nobel Peace Prize recipient and leader of the National League for Democracy in Burma, Aung San Suu Kyi.

The concert will take place at 4.45 p.m. on Monday, June 18, in the Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 2.

The centerpiece of ‘Electric Burma’ will be the presentation of Amnesty International's prestigious ‘Ambassador of Conscience’ Award to Aung San Suu Kyi. The presentation will be made by Bono and was originally announced from the stage during a concert by long-term campaigners U2 when they played at Croke Park in July 2009.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/8471-bono-to-present-aung-san-suu-kyi-with-amnesty-international-award

Stars Sign Letter To Presidents On Behalf Of Women In Afghanistan

Wed, 23 May 2012 15:30:00 +0000

A plethora of stars have signed an open letter from Amnesty International to President Obama and Afghan President Karzai in support of Women’s Rights.

Among the signatures on the letter are Yoko Ono, Patrick Stewart, Joan Baez, Sting, Stephen King, Cynthia Nixon and Meryl Streep.

“As champions of women’s rights who are dedicated to protecting women’s human rights, we are deeply concerned that the significant gains made by women and girls in Afghanistan may be threatened as U.S. and allied troops leave the country,” reads the letter. "We urge you to adopt a comprehensive action plan to guarantee that the clock is not turned back on a decade of strides in education, health, security and employment for women and girls. At stake is the future of Afghanistan, after billions of dollars and tens of thousands of lives have been sacrificed. We believe if women’s progress cannot be sustained, then Afghan society will fail.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/8413-stars-sign-letter-to-presidents-on-behalf-of-women-in-afghanistan

Fifty Stars Record Song To Celebrate Amnesty International's 50th Birthday

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Fifty stars have come together to celebrate Amnesty International's 50th anniversary by recording a song called Toast to Freedom.

Co-written by Carl Carlton in sessions that took place in the late Levon Helm's studio, the song features Ewan McGregor, Carly Simon, Kris Kristofferson, Marianne Faithful, Rosanne Cash, Jane Birkin and many more.

“We came up with the idea one day in November 2010, sitting in my garden outside Dublin,” Bill Shipsey – founder of the Art for Amnesty campaign – told the Observer newspaper. "Carl Carlton came to visit me and said he wanted to do something to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Amnesty International and we came up with the idea of doing a song.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/8280-fifty-stars-record-song-to-celebrate-amnesty-internationals-50th-birthday

Pete Seeger Covers Bob Dylan For Charity

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Today, March 19, is the exact 50th anniversary of the release of Bob Dylan's eponymous first album. The anniversary sees the release for charity of a digital single and music video of the classic Dylan song “Forever Young” by one of Dylan’s mentors – legendary folksinger/activist Pete Seeger.

The release is being championed by a grassroots campaign www.ForeverPete.com. ForeverPete.com – modeled on the successful 2010 fan-based endeavor to get 88-year-old Betty White to host “Saturday Night Live” – is run by admirers wanting 92-year-old Seeger to become the oldest musician to reach the music charts. Current record-holder in US, UK and other singles charts is Tony Bennett (age 85 in 2011).

Seeger has a long history of chart success. In the 1950s he was a member of chart-topping folk group, the Weavers. In the 1960s he was frequently in music charts as composer or arranger of hits such as “If I Had A Hammer”, “Where Have All The Flowers Gone?”, “We Shall Overcome” and his chart-topping song for The Byrds “Turn! Turn! Turn!”

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/8049-pete-seeger-covers-bob-dylan-for-charity

Richard Branson Blogs Secret Policeman's Ball

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:35:00 +0000

Sir Richard Branson has blogged about the Secret Policeman’s Ball concert held in New York during the weekend to benefit Amnesty International.

“It was a great pleasure performing at the Secret Policeman’s Ball in New York last night to celebrate Amnesty International’s 50th birthday,” he wrote. “What the charity has achieved in the past 50 years is incredible and it is vital we all keep supporting its work. This was the first time the event has been held in the US and it was a blast. Both the UK and US comics certainly exercised their freedom of speech during last night’s unprintable sketches!”

Performers at the show included Coldplay, Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Russell Brand, Rashida Jones, Seth Meyers, Sarah Silverman, Kristen Wiig, John Oliver and many more.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/7985-richard-branson-blogs-secret-policemans-ball

Comedians Join Secret Policeman's Ball For Amnesty International

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:30:00 +0000

Amnesty International has announced that some of the top comedic talent in the U.S. and U.K. will be joining the Secret Policeman’s Ball line-up at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, March 4, 2012.

The all-star cast of music and comedy talent includes previously announced artists Coldplay, Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Mumford & Sons, Russell Brand and Reggie Watts.

New performers added to the show include American comedians Fred Armisen, Hannibal Buress, David Cross, Bill Hader, Rashida Jones, Seth Meyers, Bob Odenkirk, Andy Samberg, Sarah Silverman, Statler & Waldorf from Disney’s The Muppets, Jason Sudeikis and Kristen Wiig and British comics Noel Fielding, Micky Flanagan, John Oliver, Peter Serafinowicz and Jack Whitehall.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/7875-comedians-join-secret-policemans-ball-for-amnesty-international

Angelina Jolie Awarded At Cinema For Peace Gala In Berlin

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:20:00 +0000

“10 Years of Cinema For Peace" was the theme of the Cinema for Peace Gala on February 13 at Berlin’s famous Gendarmenmarkt Concert Hall under the patronage of His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama, featuring guests of honor Angelina Jolie and Bob Geldof.

For the last ten years, Cinema for Peace has been supporting the fight for human rights, social justice, humanitarian missions, and environmental protection through captivating social film expression. Recognized as one of the world’s most important film events, the Cinema for Peace gala now has partner events in both New York City and Los Angeles, with many projects funded by generous sponsors and private donations.

This year’s Cinema for Peace gala focused on Bosnia and Burma through Angelina Jolie’s directorial debut “In the Land of Blood and Honey”, which was presented with a special Award for Opposing War and Genocide. In November 2011, the Cinema for Peace Foundation opened an office in Sarajevo in Bosnia Herzegovina, as recognition of the 1995 Srebrenica genocide, which is the primary focus of the foundation. The foundation hopes to conduct over 10,000 interviews with witnesses and survivors of the massacre in order to bring clarity to the horrific event. The interviews will be made available in an online library and eventually the subject of documentary. Students, scientists and non-government organizations will provide detailed insight regarding the event of the massacre in Srebrenica during the war in former Yugoslavia. The international criminal court for former Yugoslavia has placed 161 accused war criminals before the court.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/7844-angelina-jolie-awarded-at-cinema-for-peace-gala-in-berlin

Roger Waters Supports Amnesty International On The Wall Live Tour

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Amnesty International has announced that Roger Waters is supporting the organization’s campaigning on the Middle East and North Africa on his forthcoming ‘The Wall Live’ tour.

“It’s very important to me to have Amnesty along on this tour talking about the dramatic events in the Middle East and North Africa,” said the Pink Floyd legend. “In some small way, I want to ensure that people who come to The Wall Live take away a sense that human rights matter and barriers between people and their rights need to be torn down.”

From Amnesty.org: "As a long standing supporter, Roger Waters is backing Amnesty’s campaigning on the region and volunteers will be on hand at the concerts to give out campaigning literature and discuss the issues.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/7818-roger-waters-supports-amnesty-international-on-the-wall-live-tour

Sting Gets Back To Bass For Amnesty International

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:30:00 +0000

Sting's latest tour – titled Back To Bass – is providing a platform for Amnesty International to raise awareness on the organization’s campaign against oil pollution and human rights abuse in the Niger Delta region in Nigeria.

Sting Amnesty International

“I’ve long admired Amnesty International’s effectiveness, dignity and sense of commitment. We go back a long way and I’m proud to support their work in any way I can.” said Sting.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/7809-sting-gets-back-to-bass-for-amnesty-international

Stars Line Up For The Return Of The Secret Policeman's Ball

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:50:00 +0000

The Secret Policeman’s Ball is back – and it’s heading for America!

Amnesty International's legendary charity show – featuring a plethora of music and comedy talent – will hit the Radio City Music Hall on March 4. Organizers have confirmed Coldplay, Russell Brand, Mumford & Sons, Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart and Reggie Watts as part of the lineup, with more to come.

“We are so happy to be involved with the 2012 Secret Policeman’s Ball,” said Chris Martin of Coldplay. “We have followed and supported Amnesty International – and the amazing work they do around the world in the field of human rights – for years, and it is a pleasure to be asked to contribute to such an inspiring event.”

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/7737-stars-line-up-for-the-return-of-the-secret-policemans-ball

Christy Turlington Blogs On Maternal Health

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Christy Turlington Burns visited St Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital in New York – where both her children were born – earlier this month for a special screening of her documentary, No Woman No Cry.

The emotionally charged film follows the stories of women in Tanzania, Bangladesh, Guatemala and the United States as they face critical junctures in their pregnancies. The film explores the barriers millions of women face when trying to access critical care throughout their pregnancies and while delivering, along with the often simple solutions that could save their lives.

“Dr. Jacques Moritz – Director, Gynecology Division, Department of OB/GYN – served as my host for a fascinating conversation that followed about maternal mortality right here at home,” blogged Christy after the screening. "[He cited] Amnesty International's Deadly Delivery report, which came out in 2010, just a month before NO WOMAN, NO CRY premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. In his presentation Dr. Moritz not only shared some shocking statistics with his colleagues about our national statistics, but also about NYC in particular.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/7682-christy-turlington-blogs-on-maternal-health

Graham Nash Records Song In Support Of Bradley Manning

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000

A companion video for “Almost Gone” – a new song by legendary singer-songwriter Graham Nash and musician James Raymond (son of David Crosby) – has been released in support of accused U.S. Army whistleblower Bradley Manning.

The free download is available on Nash’s website and the Bradley Manning Support Network site.

The release is timed to Manning’s first judicial hearing scheduled for December 16th, following more than 17-months in custody, including a year in solitary confinement that Amnesty International has characterized as “harsh and punitive.”

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/7540-graham-nash-records-song-in-support-of-bradley-manning

Chimes Of Freedom: Stars Cover Bob Dylan For Charity

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Two iconic forces that have impacted the past 50 years – the life-saving human rights activism of Nobel Peace Prize-winning Amnesty International and the incomparable artistry of Bob Dylan – are being saluted by 80 musicians who contributed new or previously unreleased recordings to Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International.

The collection is scheduled for physical (4 discs) and digital release in North America on January 24, 2012 through Fontana Distribution. It will be distributed internationally through Fontana International, a Universal Music company, on January 30.

Chimes of Freedom features a stellar and diverse group of artists across the generational and musical spectrum. The performers, including many of Amnesty International’s longtime supporters, range in age from teenage pop star Miley Cyrus, 19, to folk music legend Pete Seeger, who, at 92, records Dylan’s poignant “Forever Young,” with a children’s chorus.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/7417-chimes-of-freedom-stars-cover-bob-dylan-for-charity