ADVISORY/Amnesty International Convenes Hundreds of Activists, Experts to Focus on Discrimination and Human Rights Education.

Calendar Editors/Assignment Desks

ADVISORY...for Saturday and Sunday (Nov. 1 and 2)

REDONDO BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 10, 2003

WHAT:     Amnesty International Western U.S. Convention

WHEN:     Nov. 1 and 2, 2003

WHERE:    Crowne Plaza Hotel, Redondo Beach

WHAT:     The conference will feature leading figures in the
          international human rights movement, more than 20 workshops
          and panels on today's critical human rights issues, and will
          bring together hundreds of activists from across the Western
          United States for a weekend of education, strategy, and
          activism.

WHO:      PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE:

          --  Paul Hoffman, Los Angeles-based human rights attorney
              and Chair of the International Executive Committee of
              Amnesty International
          --  Loretta Ross, Executive Director for The National Center
              for Human Rights Education (Keynote Speaker)
          --  William F. Schulz, Executive Director of Amnesty
              International USA, and author of the new book Tainted
              Legacy: 9/11 and the Ruin of Human Rights
          --  Catrin Schulte-Hillen, Program Officer with Doctors
              Without Borders
          --  Kathy Bachman, Chair of the Board of Directors of
              Amnesty International USA
          --  Hundreds of Amnesty members and activists from around
              the Western United States.

WHY:      "This annual conference embodies everything that is dynamic
          and powerful in our movement -- human rights leaders coming
          together with hundreds of high school and college students,
          working professionals and retirees from around Western U.S.
          to discuss, debate, and learn about some of the most
          pressing challenges we face in the world today," said
          Cosette Thompson, Western Regional Director for Amnesty
          International USA. "At a time when the government appears
          to be sacrificing cherished rights and hard-won liberties in
          their 'War on Terror,' we should all be grateful for the
          tireless contribution of so many dedicated volunteers and
          human rights professionals."

HOW:      On-site conference registration will be available throughout
          the weekend (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 8:30 a.m.
          to 11 a.m. on Sunday). Conference registration is $20 per
          person, $15 for students/seniors/disabled, and includes
          access to all conference activities. Voting Plenaries and
          resolutions working parties are open to current AIUSA
          members only. Parking is available on site for a fee, please
          call the Crowne Plaza at 310-318-8888 for details.

          Press Credentials available, contact Dennis Palmieri at
          415-291-9233 Ext. 207