Editor:
Violence against women is a pervasive human rights abuse that touches every corner of the globe.
This is so universally understood as a human rights priority that the world has galvanized for a decade - under Canada's leadership - around a United Nations resolution that would provide fundamental human rights protection for women who are victims of violence.
Shockingly, to the rest of the world, Canada appears to be reversing its position this week.
Please send a message asking Canada's Foreign Minister John Baird to reconsider. For Canada to step back now would be devastating for women and girls, and have far reaching implications. It could be used by governments around the world to deny health care access to rape survivors and limit sexuality education.
A young rape survivor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo needs access to emergency contraception, testing for sexually transmitted infections, and post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV.
Canada appears to be saying that she does not have the right to health and the right to life, and to receive treatment to help safeguard and guarantee her health.
This can't be the position of Canada.
Sign our online letter (www.amnesty.ca) to Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird, calling on him to pay attention to the needs of rape survivors around the world and make sure they have access to the healthcare services they so badly need.
Alex Neve, secretary general
Amnesty International Canada
