Reagan's Amnesty International supports Afghan Refugees
the call Wisconsin home
Rebeca Acosta
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On August 23, Fort McCoy, Wisconsin is the new home for 8,700 Afghan refugees who had fled the violence of the Taliban. The violence against Afghan refugees was an infringement of their human rights.
According to Amnesty International website, human rights for Afghan refugees, specifically, deserve the right to health, right to peace, freedom of expression, assembly and association. These concepts of human rights are not just topics for the IB Global Politics class; it is an experience in a real- world context. The education within the IB Global Politics class prompted real-world application. Emily Roemer and Melany Romero, with the support of Mr. Walker, an IB Global Politics teacher, established the Amnesty International club in the Reagan Community. 
Resources to help Afghan refugees can
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“Seeing it come from a lesson in the classroom to an actual issue I can help solve… is a full circle way to help,” Rodriguez shares.
Amnesty International’s first campaign was a clothing drive for Afghan refugees. For 10 days, boxes around the school building filled with clothing items from students, staff, and teachers. The yellow boxes around the school eventually filled up three full cars of items for donation. Mauricio Morales, who prefers the name MM, recalls why they joined Amnesty International, which was “to be with friends” but that quickly turned into a strong commitment. MM felt proud, “I helped people's lives, seeking refuge here in America, and we were here to help them.” 
“Known for the good work they do and I wanted to be apart of that even if it is on the smaller scale, ” Niya Rodriguez, a club member says after she describes Amnesty International as a club where students are “passionate about global issues, issues that affect our society and our world come together for reasonable solutions for the community.”
Amnesty International takes on the next project, supporting unhoused people during the upcoming winter season. With human rights infringements happening all over the world, Amnesty International defends for the next campaign in supporting human rights. If you are interested in joining Amnesty International, the club meets Friday’s or Contact Mr. Walker. |