Wolverhampton Amnesty Group Main Meeting 9Th February 2014

Wolverhampton Amnesty Group Main Meeting 9th February 2014

In Attendance: Amanda Bevan, Ann Moran, Alan Marriott, Don Gwinnett, Gillian Webb, Jonathan Collings, Maggie Marriott, Maria Bijo, Molly Hale.

1. Apologies: Sarah Bidwell, Lynda Higgins

2. Minutes of last meetings (AGM & November meetings) were accepted as an accurate record.

3. Matters Arising 2.1 Human Rights Service at Lea Road Community Church: This went very well with cards written, a DVD shown and an introduction to the work of Amnesty by the minister. Further improvements would include the use of more personal testimonies and some facts about the work of the local Amnesty Group. 2.2 Write for Rights: The event at the December meeting, and an ancillary event at Amanda’s home, both went very well. The use of pre-addressed labels saved time. 2.3 Quiz: A great success with £536 raised for funds. Several attendees felt that the questions should have more popular appeal and be more relevant to young people. Amanda agreed and will adjust this next time. Also, Amanda is looking for a new venue with more space but with beer that matches the good quality of the Newhampton Inn. Thanks were expressed to Amanda, Jonathan and other organisers.

4. Monthly Action – Philippines Torture Case The group completed postcards to Margie Evangelista, wife of Darius Evangelista, who disappeared after being arrested by police in the Philippines. Witnesses say that he was beaten and tortured by police and no one has been brought to justice. The group also signed a letter to the Chief of Police seeking justice for what appears to be an extrajudicial execution.

5. Financial Return 4.1 Jonathan has completed the financial return. The group has sent £1272 to Amnesty and raised a total of £1753 during the last year. There is a healthy balance. 4.2 Ann reported on the sad death of Jeanette Scroop. Jeanette had asked that a retiring collection at the funeral service should go to Amnesty.

6. Write for Rights 2013 Since the Write for Rights there have been several positive reports:  Yorm Bopha, a Cambodian activist, who was imprisoned on false charges to keep her quiet said after her release, ‘Thank you to Amnesty International’s supporters! Your campaign has been successful, as my release shows’!  Vladimir Akimenkov, one of the "Bolotnaya Three" detainees featured in Amnesty’s WfR has been set free.  Ihar Tsikhanyuk, a Russian gay rights activist, who was beaten by police, has acknowledged the positive impact of WfR.  Miriam Lopez, a Mexican mother of four was raped and tortured by soldiers whilst detained in February 2011 for over two months without charge at a military barracks. Amnesty’s demands for a full, prompt and impartial investigation is having an impact.  The Committee of Relatives of the Detained and Disappeared in Honduras (COFADEH) is one of the country’s main human rights organisations. Its work includes seeking justice for human rights abuses by the security forces and disappearances’ in the 1980s. The authorities are under considerable pressure to respond following the WfR Campaign.

7. New West Midlands Rep The new WM Rep is Louise Walsh from the Bournville Group. She has asked to attend one of our meetings. Don will contact her and make arrangements.

8. Dossiers 7.1 Tunisia: Jonathan asked the group to sign a letter concerning Jabeur Mejri, who has been offered asylum in Sweden. Amnesty wants an unconditional release rather than asylum. 7.2 Columbia: An army officer has been arrested for gross abuses of HR. This shows an improving response to pressure.

9. Future Events 8.1 Film evening: Ann, Amanda and Molly are continuing to vet prospective films. If no suitable film is found the event will be deferred until later in the year. 8.2 Amanda is aware that the University is promoting an event for the Women’s International Network. She will report back once details are known. 8.3 May Day Event: Amanda will forward to Ann Nick Kelleher’s address from the Trades Council. 8.4 Music event: Don has met with the Newhampton Arts staff and plans are proceeding well.

10. AOB 10.1 The feedback on the Sex Workers Review, requested by AIUK, will be completed next time. 10.2 Ann has been approached to cement closer working links with the Telford Local Group. The meeting agreed to this. 10.3 The group expressed regret that Lesley, the local trainer, feels unable to continue her training of local groups because of AIUK’s money saving reforms.

DONM: Sunday March 9th