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short duration, but on a very large scale (for example, Uruguay). In some countries they are given the option of exile, which in practice, however, often equals expul-
ion from their own country (Bolivia, Peru, Chile, Uruguay and Argentina are examples).
Some sectors of political opposition in Latin American countries pursue their goals by violent means, and governments can with cause point to the attacks on military establishments, kidnappings and executions committed by their violent opponents. Al opposes all executions, whether official or non-official, but takes no overall moral position vis-à-vis persons throughout the world who use violence as (what they may consider) a last resort. Al recognizes the problems faced by governments in such situations, yet also maintains that all prisoners should be treated in a humane fashion by all parties to the conflict. One of Al's major concerns in Latin America is, however, that government agencies themselves resort to illegal methods of detention and interrogation in their attempt to main- tain law and order. One cannot uphold the law by breaking it.
The most serious and general concern of AI throughout Latin America is the lack of legal safeguards at the time of arrest, whether in the cases of prisoners of conscience or of other political prisoners. This failure to apply the most funda- mental norms of legal and humanitarian conduct towards detainees can only encourage maltreatment and torture. To meet the urgent need for international pressure in such cases, the Latin America department has, in conjunction with the Campaign for the Abolition of Torture, developed new action techniques and encouraged the establishment of new structures among the membership. This is additional to the continuing work of adoption groups.
A Colombian jurist went to Ecuador in September 1974 on behalf of AI and the International Commission of Jurists to investigate the case of one AI adoptee and the workings of the special tribunals responsible for his and other cases of a political nature. Researchers have also briefed a number of delegations and observers to trials, particularly in the case of Chile. A submission on Chile has also been made to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. Further material to supplement an earlier submission on Brazil has also been pre- sented to the commission.
More attention has also been paid to the importance of keeping individuals and organizations within Latin America informed about Al's concern and activities. Al's first field secretary for Latin America was sent there in late 1974, and the secretariat's Information and Publications department continues to produce a bulletin in Spanish every two months, containing news of Al's worldwide activities. This is distributed to radio stations, newspapers and organizations and individuals throughout Latin America.
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The purpose of these efforts is to give moral support to those who within their own country – and often at great personal risk work for the defence of human rights and to convey to them that human rights transcend geographical and political frontiers and are the concern of the international community.
The Americas department is currently handling 732 adoption and investigation
cases.
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