Tenaganita

Thanks Amnesty International. Your efforts have given me strength to continue.



Irene Fernandez, a prominent Malaysian human rights activist, has appeared in court more than 150 times in the last five years.



Why? In 1995, “Tenaganita,” the women’s rights organization that Fernandez directs, published allegations of widespread abuse against migrant workers detained by the Malaysian authorities as illegal immigrants.



The report described the sexual exploitation of women, unpaid wages, beatings, malnutrition and poor medical care.



The government didn’t investigate. Instead, it charged Fernandez with “maliciously publishing false news,” a charge that could lead to three years in prison.



Amnesty International has been campaigning ever since to have the charges dropped and the reports of abuse independently investigated.



The relentless prosecution has damaged Fernandez’s health and hindered the work of Tenaganita. But Fernandez continues to be a courageous voice for human rights in Malaysia - and Amnesty International members are proud to stand with her and other members of Tenaganita.



In a recent note to Amnesty, Fernandez says: “I want you to know how much your work makes a difference. Your efforts have given me strength to continue.



“You have also given strength to the migrant workers and victims of abuse .... Even the witnesses testifying at my trial express their appreciation when they see [your] letters in my office.



“Global support is so important. Please keep up the good work.”