I got this from Amnesty International:
http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/siteapps/advocacy/ActionItem.aspx?c=6oJCLQPAJiJUG&b=6645049&aid=519705&msource=W1307EAWMN1
Dear Tracy,
Like you, I've been following the gripping images of
political unrest in Egypt - but there's one major story about the
protests you probably haven't heard.
Amnesty researchers near
Tahrir Square have uncovered a disturbing wave of rape and other sexual
violence against women sweeping through demonstrations in Egypt. With
alarming frequency, women and girls demonstrating near Tahrir Square
are being sexually assaulted by mobs. Authorities have turned their
backs on survivors.
Tell Egypt's leaders there is no excuse for rape and sexual assault at protests.
In
the past few days, survivor stories have been pouring in, and they
paint a horrific scene. Tens if not hundreds of men isolate and surround
a woman or girl (sometimes even separating mother and daughter),
tearing off her clothes and veil, unzipping her trousers, and groping
her breasts and backside. Sticks, blades and other weapons are used in
these attacks.
Show these brave women and girls you've got their backs. Speak up for their rights.
Write to Egypt's political leaders. Call on them to condemn sexual violence and take action to end it.
Women's groups collaborating with Amnesty have reported over 90 attacks in June, and 80 attacks and growing in July.
Equally appalling - Egypt's lawmakers blame the women for the violence.
Members
of parliament told survivors that they brought the attacks upon
themselves by attending the protests, and that women should not mingle
with men during demonstrations.
Authorities also told survivors - we have bigger priorities.
Wrong response! There is no greater priority than defending the human rights of your citizens.
Remind
them of their responsibility. Join together with Amnesty activists all
around world in demanding an end to the sexual assault of Egyptian women
protesters.
The repetition of these frightening attacks is a
stark reminder of how successive Egyptian governments have failed to
address gender-based violence and discrimination.
That's why we must keep the spotlight turned way up.
We
know it works. Thanks to unyielding pressure from activists like you,
two years ago Egypt's army promised to no longer carry out forced
"virginity tests" on female detainees.
Keep standing up for equality - your voice makes a difference.
Sincerely,
Cristina Finch
Managing Director
Women's Human Rights Program
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