Amnesty International is inviting residents to participate in a silent rally focussing on the right to protest that will be held tomorrow in Nightcliff.

Darwin chapter convenor Elsa Adshead said the rally would be a silent, socially distanced event, held on the Nightcliff foreshore on Saturday, which is the International Day of Peace, but she said the rally would also be a nod to the International Day of Democracy, which was observed on September 15.

Ms Adshead said the event would focus on the fundamental right to protest while calling for an end to violence and oppression worldwide.

“The rally aims to elevate the voices demanding justice in regions like Palestine, Ukraine, Sudan, Afghanistan, and Iran, as well as in ongoing conflicts in Myanmar and West Papua,” Ms Adshead said.

“Additionally, the event will shine a light on significant national issues, including the rights of students to protest on university campuses and concerns over the use of excessive police force in Melbourne.”

Last week Victoria Police arrested a number of people during three days of protest against the Land Forces expo in Melbourne’s CBD, which is a defence and arms event.

The Guardian reported Melbourne Activist Legal Support’s Anthony Kelly saying there was an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 protestors on Wednesday, with between 50 and 100 injured, while he said there was between 1,000 and 1,800 police officers from both Victoria and New South Wales.

Channel Nine reported there were 27 police officers injured on the Wednesday, and 42 people arrested, with accusations of violence against both sides; with rubber bullets, stun grenades and capsicum spray used by police, and rocks, suspected human faeces, horse manure and balloons carrying unknown liquids being used by protesters.

However Victoria Police denied accusations of excessive force, saying officers used “restraint” in the face of violent protestors.

The group is calling for justice in Palestine, a halt to the conflict in Ukraine, peace in Sudan, advocacy for women’s rights in Afghanistan, the right for students to protest on campuses, accountability for police in Melbourne, support for Iranian demonstrators, and a stance from governments against all oppressive regimes.

“We recognise the importance of protest in defending human rights and calling out abuses worldwide. The right to peaceful protest is fundamental in a democratic society, yet globally and locally, this right is being threatened,” Ms Adshead said.

“From students on Australian campuses to women fighting for basic freedoms in Iran and Afghanistan, we stand in solidarity with all who risk their safety to fight for justice.

“We stand with our fellow activists in calling to end these violations.”

The rally will be held on Saturday, September 21 at the Nightcliff foreshore from 3pm to 5pm