GROUPS NEWS THE NEWSLETTER FOR AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL UK WINTER 2015 LOCAL, STUDENT AND YOUTH GROUPS INSIDE

KEYS OF FREEDOM NEWS FROM THE GROUPS SEE PAGE 8

ON THE ROAD TO EQUALITY RALLY FOR PRIDE MARCHES REFUGEES SEE PAGE 14 People unite to say: Refugees are welcome here

Politicians have had to keep up with the services, Rachael Maskell, York Central public mood regarding refugees fleeing MP and Barbara Lodge, York group war-torn Syria and the Middle East. member. Barbara conveyed Amnesty’s On 12 September, a national day of perspective: ‘York is my home and I want action for refugees, Amnesty members to welcome refugees into my home. It’s supported high-profile demonstrations only marches and social movements that across the UK urging the government to can change social policy.’ do more. York Minister supported the march and In York more than 1,000 people, rally and has taken a leading role in plans including members of the York group to bring refugees to the city. (pictured), called for the city to be a Other marches in UK cities included sanctuary for refugees. They marched , Belfast, Bristol, Glasgow, through the city centre with a banner Brighton, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Cardiff NOT TURNING ‘Refugees Are Welcome Here’, finishing and Manchester A BLIND EYE outside York Minister. The crowd then STOP TORTURE heard speeches from refugees, local refugee READ MORE on page 4 SEE PAGE 16 EDITORIAL NOTICEBOARD

Amnesty is campaigning to free Ali Aarrass, the Belgian/Moroccan prisoner serving a 12- year sentence in Salé Prison in Morocco for terrorism, after his unfair trial and conviction based on confessions obtained under torture. Ali, a bookseller, is said to have an indomitable sense of humour. To cheer him up we have sent him a little illustrated book of terrible jokes sent in by Amnesty school groups. Here’s one: Q: What did the inflatable teacher say to the inflatable pupil who brought a drawing pin into the inflatable school? A: You have let me down. You have let the whole school down. But worst of all you have let yourself down. Over the years I have heard many jokes and japes used by PoCs to keep up their spirits in the worst of times. Irina Ratushunskaya, the great Ukrainian poet and dissident, and her dissident husband, Igor, were sure their mail was being intercepted, Patcham High School students, winners of the Songwriter their phones tapped and home searched by (Performer) Youth Award 2015 © Carmen Valino/AIUK the People’s Commissariat for Internal Affairs – NKVD. In the evenings they’d type pages and pages of letters and numbers in a meaningless YOUTH AWARDS GET ON BOARD stream. They hid their sheets of gibberish in Our Youth Awards is an annual programme Board members play a crucial role in plastic wrappers on top of the lavatory cistern, that engages young people with Amnesty’s ensuring Amnesty International UK is a sure they would be secretly and desperately campaigns and human rights issues. strong, effective and influential organisation. studied for days on end in the Soviet equivalent Awards are given to pupils aged seven to We are currently looking for nominations of our codebreaking centre at Bletchley Park 19 who creatively capture human rights for members to serve on the board for the (where incidentally Peter Benenson used to topics in six strands: reporting, performing, 2016-19 period. There are four vacant seats: work in the War). photography, campaigning, fundraising three are unreserved; one is reserved for Jack Mapanje, Malawian poet, university and, new to 2016, poetry. Last year we had nominees from local groups. professor and prisoner of conscience, used over 800 entries and welcomed Sir Trevor A key priority is to increase the board’s to save up the anti-malarial (and probably McDonald as one of our judges. diversity so we can be more representative useless) chloroquinine pills given to prisoners Applications for our 2016 Youth Awards of the UK population. We particularly need in Lilongwe Jail. He used his pills like chalk, are now open: amnesty-youth-awards.org. Board members with experience in one or scratching letters onto the concrete floor to uk, or call 01453 872731. The competition more of the following areas: finance, charity teach a fellow detainee how to read and write. closes on 24 February 2016. governance, IT management or equality One day some of his fellow detainees asked and diversity. Jack to give them his pill chalks for a jape. On Members of AIUK wishing to stand the cell floor they drew a large and detailed floor should apply for full details and a plan of the prison. Here and there they made nomination form no later than Monday and labelled dotted lines indicating imaginary 4 January 2016 (by 5pm) from Selma Shirazi. ‘Escape tunnel here’ and ‘Way out’. Completed nomination forms must be As planned the jape drove the screws into a returned to Selma no later than 5pm on complete frenzy. Beatings ensued as the guards Friday 8 January 2016. tried to find where these non-existent tunnels Contact: Selma Shirazi, Director’s Office, were. The prisoners felt the prank was worth it Amnesty International UK Section, Human for the laugh. Rights Action Centre, 17-25 New Inn Yard, We hope Ali gets some joy from this book. London EC2A 3EA; call 020 7033 1556; or As I write, he’s suspended a hunger strike which email [email protected] left him seriously ill. He’s said how proud he was Download an Election Pack at of the support he’s received. He is determined www.amnesty.org.uk/electionpack to keep fighting for justice – so needs our (available from 16 November). support, hope and thoughts more than ever. Dan Jones

2 INDIVIDUALS AT RISK

Hereford

ACTION FOR ESKINDER NEGA PHOTOS AND SIGNATURES SOLIDARITY DROP-IN July marked three years since journalist The three Mansoura women, arrested after SCHEME Eskinder Nega was imprisoned in Ethiopia peacefully protesting at their university in This year we started a monthly drop-in for expressing his views. The Horsham group Egypt, were the focus of a talk given to letter writing group at the library. We called for his release outside the Ethiopian students at Croydon College. Ann Marcus, hoped to build on the popularity of the embassy. They delivered a letter and personal member of the Croydon group and Country Write for Rights campaign and reach messages of support, along with photos of Coordinator for Egypt, also spoke on the people who aren’t committed members the World Press Freedom Day action the judicial system and mobilised a photo- but share human rights concerns and group held with the staff of theWest Sussex action (pictured). The Glossop group the struggle of prisoners of conscience. Country Times. At the time, the paper ran a collected 400 signatures on behalf of Raif We guess many sympathisers shy away feature on Eskinder and Amnesty, written by Badawi, who may be flogged again ‘soon’. from the local group fearing a casual group member Alison Marshall. The York Continue to keep up the pressure on the enquiry may result in a Chairman/ group, who hosted speakers from Ethiopia Saudi authorities. Treasurer appointment! So we made and Eritrea, and Sheffield group continued this group as non-threatening as work on his case, sending photo actions to LET’S GO FLY A KITE possible, asking for just a few minutes the embassy. Meanwhile the Moray group Rain didn’t stop the Colwyn Bay group to write a letter or card with the added spent an evening writing solidarity cards to flying kites on the beach to draw attention bribe of coffee, tea and biccies! Every Eskinder and his wife Serkalem. to human rights. Students from Eirias High month one or two new faces appear. School joined them. Passers-by signed Some come again. Some sign a card and SOLIDARITY WITH HAKAMADA petitions for Iranian artist Atena and lawyers leave with a little more understanding IWAO imprisoned in China. than they had before. Every month we The Devizes group supported freedom for On October 26, the Buxton group flew send off 20-plus letters. It’s a well- Hakamada Iwao. They sent a message and five kites – one for each of the Lao students worthwhile experiment and going from photo (pictured) to Amnesty Japan on their arrested six years ago for peaceful protest. strength to strength. Day of Action on 27 March, marking one year Letters and photos were sent to the Laos Mandy Lawrence, Hereford group since Hakamada was released from death row authorities. See Write for Rights resources, pending a retrial. The group also sent birthday page 19 greetings on 10 March – Hakamada’s 79th SHAKER AAMER RELEASED birthday and the first time he has celebrated We took up Shaker Aamer’s case in 2005. outside prison since he was 30. In June, the It’s a hard-won release. Thanks to all who who held vigils before he came home. Lewes group reached their target of folding campaigned, including the Lewes group, Newly-elected MP Maria Caulfield was one 1,000 origami cranes for Hakamada – giving Priory School Amnesty group, and Brighton of 282 people who signed the Free Shaker this number is considered good luck. and Hove and Sussex Sixth Form College petition to US President Obama.

Glossop Devizes

Lewes Buxton Colwyn Bay

Croydon College Lewes Horsham

3 REFUGEE RIGHTS AND RESETTLEMENT

The biggest test of our humanity in decades

REFUGEES WELCOME HERE government needed to ‘open their hearts, human figures to represent the 3.8 million On 12 September many Amnesty groups minds and attitudes towards supporting refugees. They were displayed on large attended national Refugees Welcome people who are desperate.’ boards, with one lone board showing the Here demonstrations called in response to As part of Refugee Week, the York shameful British contribution – at that refugees losing their lives or struggling to group had a positive letter printed in The point 187 refugees accepted. People were find a safe haven. As well asYork (cover), York Press recognising the great impact photographed with the #OpenToSyria members of the Manchester group joined of refugees in the UK. Heaven Crawley, twitter hashtag. The event was covered in a rally condemning David Cameron’s plan Professor of International Migration at The Times. to accept 20,000 refugees from Syria as Coventry University’s Centre for Trust, The Chelmsford group had a letter vastly insufficient, highlighting the harmful Peace and Social Relations, spoke at the published in the Essex Chronicle about the conditions in refugee camps. Newcastle Mid Gloucestershire group’s meeting. crisis in Calais. group members took part in the city’s She brought members up to date on the In October, Lewes group members Refugee and Calais solidarity march. In immigration situation. carried Refugees Welcome placards on a Belfast a demonstration took place in On 11 July London groups organised weekend walk to the Seven Sisters. Group front of Belfast City Hall. Thanks also to an Open to Syria action in Parliament chair Sara Birch said: ‘Many members the many group members who travelled Square aimed to put pressure on the UK of the public stopped us to express to London to join the protest against government to accept more Syrian refugees. their support for refugees and join us in the government’s handling of the crisis. For a month, local group members met extending their welcome to those seeking Jeremy Corbyn MP told the crowd that the at the HRAC to create paper chains of asylum in the UK.’ This was followed

Ysgol Eirias

London

Lewes

London Malvern Hills

4 by a march and rally in Solidarity with commitment to accommodating Syrian the Westmorland Gazette. Refugees, organised by the Lewes Amnesty refugees. Supporters carried banners and After contacting their MP David group, Lewes group in Support of Refugees a wreath of snowflakes in memory of the Cameron about the migrant crisis in the and Asylum Seekers and Diversity Lewes. six children who froze to death in refugee Mediterranean where at least 3,419 people One of the first actions of the newly- camps bordering Syria last winter. A have drowned attempting to reach , formed Eirias Park youth group was to petition signed by 1,200 local people was the Chipping Norton group received a transform Colwyn Bay beach with a grim presented to councillor Melanie Baker, reply. In it, David Cameron talked about row of ‘body bags’ to raise awareness of housing portfolio holder at the Malvern deploying HMS Bulwark for search and the refugees’ plight to local people and district council. The march was covered rescue. But he went on to say: ‘We have to politicians. Over 100 campaigners turned by local press and Channel 4 news who make sure that we are not doing anything out, including a local councillor and interviewed group member Ruth Forecast, which encourages more people to make prospective candidate for the forthcoming a driver of this amazing work. these perilous journeys – or which makes it Welsh Assembly elections and Party Similarly the Kendal group urged their easier for the gangs to operate. That is why Officials. Students tweeted: Don’t let them council to act at a rally in September. Over the UK will not participate in a mandatory drown. 600 petition signatures collected called on system of resettlement or relocation. On 15 October, the Malvern Hills group, South Lakeland district council to house We must also distinguish between those which has been working on the Syrian ten refugee families. A letter written by genuinely fleeing persecution and economic Refugee Resettlement programme for 12 Dave Plumb, Kendal group secretary, titled migrants crossing the Mediterranean in the months, organised a march to show their ‘Country has to respond’ was published in hope of a better life.’

Woking York

Chelmsford Newcastle Manchester

MId Gloucestershire York

5 SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER

The run-up to the General Election in May saw a flurry of activity as Amnesty groups across the country organised husting events, sent press releases, and debated the merits of the Human Rights Act with members of the public at street stalls. The aim: to keep human rights firmly on the political agenda.

CARRY ON LOBBYING CANVASSING THE CANDIDATES Lewes groups wrote to their candidates, During the last Parliament, we One of the most ambitious election related with Lewes also getting out into the streets achieved some impressive results – projects was the Birmingham groups’ survey to sign up 231 people to their petition and changing the government’s mind on of parliamentary candidates, posing four pledge cards. The group used social media resettling vulnerable Syrian refugees key questions on support for asylum seekers to energise the campaign, with individuals and welcoming in the world’s first and the Human Rights Act. Twenty-seven posting their human rights pledges online global Arms Trade Treaty. candidates replied. Responses came in from via Facebook. In Oxford, group members With the new Parliament in place, across the political spectrum (with a notable received some interesting responses from and 178 new MPs installed at absence from the Conservatives). candidates in both their constituencies, with Westminster, now is the time for us There were a few surprises: the two plans to arrange further meetings once the to talk to our MPs and show them UKIP candidates disagreed on the asylum new Parliament was in place. how much we care about human issue, with one supporting an end to the rights. There is plenty to do: the enforced destitution and indefinite detention HIGH POINTS OF THE HUSTINGS threat to the Human Rights Act is of asylum seekers and the other opposed. In Manchester, the local group organised bigger than ever and more support is Otherwise, the response – from Greens, a closed hustings, quizzing four candidates desperately needed for refugees fleeing Labour, Lib Dems, Respect and the Trade on a range of human rights issues, including conflict and persecution. Over the Union and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) – was detention of asylum seekers, genital coming months, our activists will be overwhelmingly positive. Lib Dem candidate mutilation and forced marriage. The group keeping the pressure on politicians. Ian Griffiths commented: ‘I welcome kept the issues in the news with a press Any feedback from groups on Amnesty International standing up for the release to the local paper. meetings or correspondence with local Human Rights Act this election. I believe it Public hustings are a pillar of pre-election MPs, Councillors or MEPs will be is of vital importance as the UK would be a campaigning, and four groups organised invaluable so please keep us posted. lesser place without it. I would be ashamed their own public hustings events, bringing in if the UK was no longer a signatory to it.’ candidates from across the political spectrum. A number of groups lobbied their local Buxton group’s event covered a wide range candidates. Bromley and Orpington, and of issues from support for the arms trade to

Perth

Colwyn Bay Southwark

6 the limits (or not) on free speech. More than with requests for pledge cards at the event local communities. The Saffron Walden 100 people attended a hustings organised by they attended. In Downpatrick, the hustings group put out a press release, and the Cambridge group, which succeeded in produced some lively discussions on a Kirbymoorside sent a letter to the local getting coverage in the local paper, posted a range of issues with marriage proving a paper. In Canterbury, the group signed film of the event on YouTube and tweeted particularly hot topic. Democratic Unionist up the Labour and Lib Dem candidates from the audience. In Colwyn Bay 150 Jim Wells was forced to resign as Northern to supporting the Human Rights Act, people packed Rydal Penrhos School hall Ireland’s health minister as a result of his and met their local Conservative MP to listen to a lively debate from the seven comments – at the meeting and elsewhere Julian Brazier. Mid Down group held a candidates. This was a great example of local during the campaign – which seemed to stall and persuaded their candidates to networking with a number of organisations link child abuse to parenting by same-sex sign pledge cards. helping to publicise the event. With an active couples. Amnesty youth group attending from the In Perth, the group attended a local FROM THE COUNCIL TO school, the group now plans to build closer hustings where all the candidates agreed THE GRAVE links with other schools in the area. Welwyn to show their commitment to the Human Our campaign to preserve the Human Hatfield group also presided over a packed Rights Act campaign. They also achieved Rights Act continued before, during and hall for their event. Group chair Brenda some great media coverage with a letter in after the election. In Manchester, following Weeden said, ‘I think the candidates were the local paper and an article in a widely the distribution of Amnesty International left in no doubt that many local people are distributed free magazine. As a result of UK’s briefing on the Act to all the seriously concerned about human rights at this, the group was asked to give a talk to councillors, the City Council unanimously home and abroad.’ the local branch of the National Women’s voted for a motion in support of the A number of groups made their presence Register, showing how media work can Human Rights Act. felt at other hustings events. Croydon, produce some invaluable local connections. Southwark group took the novel Liverpool, and Fylde Coast groups all put approach of campaigning in a graveyard questions on the Human Rights Act and WORD ON THE STREET when they attended Nunhead cemetery torture to their local candidates, while Many groups did a great job of getting open day. The group reported an Wolverhampton group was overwhelmed the human rights message out into their enthusiastic response to the campaign.

Canterbury

Lewes Welwyn

7 NEWS FROM THE GROUPS

MY BODY MY RIGHTS on 26 September tackled issues around the directed by Anna Carr, an Amnesty supporter. On 14 March, members of the Manchester MBMR campaign. Leading supporters to six The evening included music from Iranian group participated in the first one-day ‘Being embassies – Algeria, Chile, Ireland, Tunisia, singer Nomi Basra and a short talk and Q&A Watched’ conference for 13 to 19-year-olds Iran and Morocco – ambassadors were asked session led by the Southampton group. to raise awareness of the My Body My Rights to make changes so more people can enjoy (MBMR) campaign. These young women their fundamental rights. ROMA RIGHTS AND discussed issues of social media, surveillance REMEMBERING and control in their lives. The group set up WOMEN IN AFGHANISTAN In April supporters for Roma rights their Tree of Change, and asked people to On the eve of International Women’s Day the demonstrated outside the Hungarian embassy write a message on a leaf – either a change Isle of Man group held a ‘health and safety’ against the forced evictions of around 160 they wanted to see or an issue to overcome in demonstration outside the House of Keys to mostly Roma families in Miskolc. These the fight for rights in this area. highlight the perils faced by Afghan women families have lived there since the early 60s. Our group activists made nearly 4,000 in frontline jobs like medicine, politics At the Roma Rights event in May held at the ‘Keys of freedom’ containing messages of and the law. The island’s only two female Human Rights Action Centre, Sandor Szoke, support for women currently in prison as a Members of House of Keys (MHKs) sported Roma Civil Rights activist from Hungary, result of the abortion ban in El Salvador. See hard hats and high-vis jackets and the doors spoke about the evictions and how the Colwyn Bay and Henley College youth group of the building were blocked with hazard Roma minority in Hungary are the victims (pictured). The keys and ribbons have been tape. The ‘tongue-in-cheek’ stunt made the of escalating racist persecution and violence. added to an international sculpture presented morning news and generated media coverage. Meanwhile Amnesty supporters joined a to the Minister of Justice and Public Security A performance of ‘Even if we lose our moving memorial day in commemoration in El Salvador, who has the power to free lives’ in support of women’s rights in of the Roma genocide at the Holocaust these women. Afghanistan was performed to a packed Memorial Stone, Hyde Park. It took place on Wandsworth group’s ‘Embassy crawl’ hall in Southampton. It was produced and 2 August – significant because on 2 August

Newcastle Isle of Man Manchester

Wandsworth Roma rights Colwyn Bay

8 OBITUARY The Bognor Regis, Chichester and District group are sorry to announce the death of May Berry MBE. May was a key founder of the Bognor group and on its merger with Chichester was elected Chair. She was an ardent packer of parcels for their first POC, Ryszard Nogajewski, who kept in touch; they finally met in 2002. She opened her home and magnificent garden to Amnesty events, and year after year helped welcome new recruits. May will be much missed.

1944 all the Sinti and Roma in Auschwitz Human Rights at the University of York. Amnesty, is her account of fleeing North were murdered. He spoke of his work as a mediator in the Korea and surviving torture and prison. ‘It In July A People Uncounted was screened warring villages where he tries to arrange was unforgettable – in fact people are still at the Human Rights Action Centre in truces between rival sheikhs. Through the talking about it,’ said the group. Journalists London to promote Roma rights. William organisation Dar Al-Salam (House of Peace), from Stroud News and Journal attended and Bila, Roma Rights advocate and participant he has helped to train 260 other mediators ran a profile piece on Ji-hyun. in the film, led a Q&A and Kate Allen, and has even secured the release of abducted In July the Chelmsford group held their Amnesty UK director, gave a passionate foreigners. AGM, and were pleased to welcome the speech. It’s a harrowing film about the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. genocide of Sinti and Roma people during MAY DAY the Holocaust, highlighting the brave On 2 May, the Newcastle, Wearside and STILL MISSING resistance of Roma people in the Gypsy Hexham groups had a stall at the Tyne and 2015 is the 20th anniversary of the Srebrenica Camp in Auschwitz. If groups would like Wear May Day march and rally. Speakers on genocide. On 11 July, London group members to organise a screening, contact the day included Ann Schofield of the Tyneside stood on the steps of St Martin-in-the-Fields to [email protected] Palestinian Solidarity Campaign and MP remember the over 8,000 men and boys killed, Ian Mearns – along with a Newcastle group and the thousands of others ‘disappeared’ HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER member who talked about Amnesty’s work. in Bosnia, never to be seen again. Dressed In May the York group welcomed human in white, petition signatures were collected rights defender Ahmed Al-Kolaibi to its SPECIAL GUESTS calling on the Bosnian government to honour meeting. Ahmed, who grew up in Yemen, is In May members of the Mid Gloucester their pledge of a fund for victims and to find one of the visiting fellows on the Protective group saw the ‘moving and illuminating’ those still missing. Thanks to Deepa Shah, Fellowship Scheme for Human Rights filmThe Other Interview in the presence Country Coordinator for the Balkans, who Defenders at Risk at the Centre for Applied of its star, Park Ji-hyun. The film, made by organised this.

Roma rights York

London Henley College Mid Gloucester

Henley College Southampton Chelmsford

9 NEWS FROM THE GROUPS

MAGNA CARTA FREEDOMS REGIONAL CONFERENCES To mark 800 years of the Magna Carta, The East Anglia Conference in Norwich on 17 October. Human rights defenders the Salisbury group joined forces with the on 28 March opened with Victoria Aida Baijumanova from Kyrgyzstan and Salisbury Cathedral, which has the best Brittain, UN consultant on the impact of Natalia Zviagina from Russia spoke on surviving copy of the Charter. Around conflict on women, speaking on ‘Torture, freedom of expression. Over 70 delegates 200 students took part in an anniversary Guantanamo and the CIA’. This was also heard the latest on the current refugee conference held at the cathedral on followed by a Stop Torture action. In the and asylum crisis, and how to defend 15 June. They questioned Kate Allen, afternoon, David Mead, Professor of UK the UK’s Human Rights Act. After a Amnesty UK director, David Davis MP Human Rights Law, University of East march to Victoria Square, delegates were and journalist Peter Oborne. A patchwork Anglia, spoke on ‘What’s Wrong with photographed with all the rights protected made by Amnesty’s South region was on Rights?’, and the threat to the Human under the HRA, with actors representing display. Kate also attended the Playhouse Rights Act. David Cameron and justice secretary for ‘Magna Carta Now’ organised by the At the London Regional Conference on Michael Gove attacking them (pictured). Salisbury group. Actor Edward Fox read 3 October, around 100 people took part On 24 October, the North West out various sections of the Charter and a in talks, workshops and campaign actions Conference took place in Blackburn in the panel including writer Ben Rawlence and on the theme ‘Refugees and the Human name of justice for asylum seekers. The Professor Guy Standing discussed their Rights Act’. Steve Symonds, Amnesty’s harrowing stories of Dr Charles Dotou relevance today. The event was chaired by Refugee and Migrant Rights programme and Eman Mashhour, refugees and human Peter Curbishly of the local group. director, and Fatima Elbanna, ex-UNHCR rights defenders from Senegal and Yemen, worker, spoke. Laura Trevelyan, campaign left the 86 delegates inspired and slightly WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP manager, spoke about the Human Rights tearful. Food was prepared and served In October, the newly-formed AKS school Act. The day also included presentations by refugees and asylum seekers from the group raised awareness of women’s rights from country coordinators, and area and a ‘Refugees are Welcome Here’ in El Salvador at their Open Day. Student workshops on fundraising, the Human street action was accompanied by drum Maddy Haslem attended the Fylde Coast Rights Act, social media and asylum playing by a refugee from the Ivory Coast. group meeting with Afzal Khan, North West seekers. Workshops on My Body My Rights and MEP, who was kept busy discussing the value The firstWest and East Midlands Working Effectively with activists in the of the EU and how to work effectively with conference took place in Birmingham area were so popular they were held twice. MEPs. The youth group, with the support of Fylde Coast group members, are now planning The Secret Policeman’s Beach Ball at the school in March 2016.

STORY COMPETITION The Ely group held its second human rights short story competition. A big thank you to local author Jill Dawson who judged it and donated prizes. Read the winning stories at www.amnesty.org.uk/groups/ely-city/short- story-competition-2015-winners

North West Conference

Flyde Coast

West and East Midlands Conference London Salisbury Cathedral patchwork

10 SOLIDARITY WITH SYRIA

Groups marked the fourth anniversary of the Syrian uprising with candle-lit vigils in March, pointing out the need for the UK government to do more. The Runnymede group gathered for a #withsyria vigil, poignantly at the Magna Carta memorial. The Berwick and Eastern Borders group held their vigil at the Flodden Peace and Reconciliation garden. The Silsden and Ilkley groups remembered the victims of the Syrian civil war with a four minute silence and vigil, covered in the local press. Both groups also wrote to each of the five prospective parliamentary candidates for the Keighley constituency to ask what their party would do to help victims of the war. The Nottingham group joined up with the local Syrian community organisation to demonstrate. Other candle-lit vigils were held by Ely, Mayfair and Soho, Sutton Coldfield, Cardigan and North Runnymede Cardigan and North Pembershire Pembrokeshire and Hexham groups. Meanwhile members of the Romsey group spelt out ‘Syria’ in tea lights. ‘The purpose was to shine a light on the continued troubles and help people remember those ordinary Syrians for whom life is increasing dark,’ group member Fay Fleming told the Romsey Advertiser.

Nottingham

Silsden and Ilkley

Sutton Coldfield Ely

Mayfair and Soho Romsey Berwick and Eastern Borders

11 FESTIVALS

In June, the Orkney group held a ‘Cage’ 294 action cards were signed and £203 was #BringBackOurGirls, the 270+ girls event at the St Magnus International raised for Amnesty’s work. Thanks to the kidnapped by the Boko Haram armed Festival. Eight local celebrities each spent volunteers, who cheerfully coped with ‘solid group in Nigeria. Approximately 230 girls 15 minutes caged to highlight the plight rain and a lot of mud!’ The petition was are still missing. of prisoners of conscience including Raif handed in to the Czech embassy. Redhill and Reigate group used the Badawi and Liu Xiaobo. Star ‘prisoner’ was The Diss group held a stand at the Glastonbury Festival to support the resident composer Sir Peter Maxwell Davies Burston Strike School Rally in September. Amnesty Global Day of Action to Stop (pictured), who helped establish the festival A petition to justice secretary Michael Gove, Torture, on 26 June. Supporters gathered in 1977 and was extremely willing to show asking him to keep the Human Rights Act, at the Little Burmese Tea Shop at Green his support. The day concluded with a was signed by 95 people including Jeremy Futures Field for a photo action. The successful AmnesTea. Corbyn MP, main speaker at the rally. tea shop was opened in 2001 by former In August the Reading group manned a Many others signed a letter to business Burmese prisoner of conscience turned stall at the WOMAD Festival to support the secretary Sajid Javid calling for tighter laws human rights lawyer Ko Aung who was campaign against of Roma on selling tools of torture. tortured and imprisoned by the authorities children in education. During the weekend, The Liverpool group attended the in Burma. The struggle for peace and 330 little mini-me figures were stuck to a city’s Africa Oyé Music Festival at justice continues: innocent villagers in giant petition with messages to the Prime Sefton Park and kept up the pressure conflict areas are still being tortured and Minister of the Czech Republic. More than to save the Human Rights Act and killed by the Burma military.

Diss Orkney Reading

Liverpool Reading

12 FUNDRAISING

The Croydon group’s sponsored walk work. The legendary Blackheath and and campaign petitions were signed. Guests through the aptly-named Happy Valley Greenwich group’s book sale proved to be even joined in with the belly dancing. raised almost £1,000. Ten walkers, who another success, raising £9,107. See page 16 King Alfred’s Sixth Form group raised enjoyed the 8.5 mile route, were rewarded for info on their creative Stop Torture stunt £1,904, a magnificent end result of two with a pub lunch, and tea and cake. The on the day. years of fundraising for Amnesty. A cheque West Cumbria Walk for Life for Human In September, the City University RAG was handed to Emma Hart, Amnesty East Rights this year was part of the group’s Society chose Amnesty as their RAG week Midlands regional representative, who campaign to support Syria, highlight the charity. A number of events helped to visited the school. She gave a speech about value of the Human Rights Act and Stop raise £279, including a Bubble Football Amnesty’s work in assembly, and ran Torture. See page 16 for other Stop Torture tournament where you take to the field workshops on the death penalty. She also walks. in a mini zorbing ball! Students at Brunel had lunch with the Sixth Form Amnesty A garden party and book sale was University have also chosen Amnesty as one Committee to discuss how human rights organised by the Dundee group in June. of their fundraising charities this year. We were being addressed in the run up to the Held in a member’s house and garden, the look forward to working with them. General Election. event was attended by 80 people and raised The annual Branscombe Silk Road Well done to the Saffron Walden group £422. A petition was signed in support of Supper, organised by the East Devon group, who raised £802.50 during their street Raif Badawi, Saudi prisoner of conscience. was a sell-out this year. Over 120 people collection in September. The Hackney In August the Minehead group’s AmnesTea enjoyed a three course meal, quiz, raffle and and Islington film pub quiz ‘A night at the raised £625. Over 45 people enjoyed tea entertainment all based on countries along movies’ on 7 September raised £225. and cakes, browsed the book stall, and the old Silk Road. It was a lively night. MC The Brighton and Hove silent auction picked up information about Amnesty’s David Evans talked about Amnesty’s work, raised £533.91.

Croydon Minehead

West Cumbria Blackheath and Greenwich East Devon

Hackney and Islington Dundee City University

13 PRIDE AND EQUAL MARRIAGE

Summer of 2015 was a successful Pride season with local groups attending over a dozen parades

On 13 June the Blackpool group took part historic , held for the first time in Over 200 cards were signed for them. in their first ever Pride and ‘had never had Eastern Europe. Thirty letters were also signed on behalf so much fun.’ The Amnesty banner was of Cameroonian human rights defenders. hard to miss (see photo). But the EuroPride RAISING RAINBOWS Cameroon is one of Africa’s most hostile banner, made to take to , attracted The York group rose to the occasion as they countries for sexual minorities, and activists huge attention, as people realised they marched on 20 June. The theme this year face intimidation, harassment, death could send Amnesty’s message across the was ‘Raise your rainbow’. Before setting threats, arbitrary arrests and detention. world. Over 200 action cards were signed off, the group met long-standing Amnesty In 2013 prominent gay rights activist Eric to claim justice for Noxolo Nogwaza, a supporter Rachael Maskell MEP for a Ohena Lembembe was killed. South African LGBTI activist who photo action to support LGBTI rights. At On 27 June around 300 Amnesty was brutally murdered in 2011, and Ihar the group’s stall passers-by played their 10- members joined the parade sweeping Tsikhanyuk, beaten by police in Belarus for foot high Snakes and Ladders human rights through the streets of London, highlighting being gay. The group’s verdict: ‘We learnt a games board. The Lord Mayor supported a LGBTI activists John Jeanette Solstad lesson in visible activism and can’t wait to photo action calling on Bulgaria to enforce Remo (Norway), Ihar, Elena Klimova do it again.’ its law against with a banner (Russia) and Noxolo. All 1,000 Amnesty EuroPride banners were also taken to remembering Mihail Stoyanov, murdered in flags were given out in the first half of the Birmingham and Oxford Prides where Sofia for being gay. parade! Participants including Kate Allen, many people were keen to support Riga. In July, the Bristol group had a stall at Amnesty UK director, and Sarah O’Grady, On 20 June, LGBTI committee members the city’s Pride event calling for justice for Chair, dressed in feather boas, glitter and delivered the banners and took part in this Noxolo Nogwaza and Ihar Tsikhanyuk. masks. The stall in ran

Belfast London

Blackpool Manchester

14 out of action cards, signed up new LGBTI marched for marriage through central about the human rights side of Network members and welcomed Jeremy Belfast in a demonstration for equal civil the occasion. Corbyn and prominent activist Peter marriage rights, organised by Amnesty In August thousands attended Tatchell among their visitors. and other organisations including the Irish Glasgow’s Pride – focus on #behappy. Congress of Trade Unions and the Rainbow Meanwhile the Manchester group, maybe EQUALITY – IT’S TIME Project (largest LGBTI group in Northern thinking coloured wigs and huge placards On 1 August, thousands took part in the Ireland). The march culminated in a mass weren’t enough, celebrated their Pride 25th annual Belfast . The rally in front of Belfast City Hall. in a new way. They invited the superb theme was ‘25 years building equality. Bloco Mundo Samba drumming band to It’s time.’ As predicted, it was a bigger ONWARDS march with them – thrilling the crowds turn-out than usual following the Yes vote The Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch and getting the Love is a Human Rights in the Republic’s referendum on same-sex group supported the Pride in message noticed. marriage and subsequent push for marriage July, highlighting cases of human rights equality in Northern Ireland. Kate Allen, abuses. They collected action cards at their Send more pictures and reports to who attended, said: ‘Things have really stall, as did the Hertfordshire group at their [email protected] or tweet changed in Northern Ireland, and there local Pride. them to @amnestyuk_LGBTI was a warm welcome for the marchers. The Brighton and Hove group were Members of the Belfast group told me that proud to be part of ’s 25th For 2016, download A Pride Guide for even five years ago that was not the case.’ anniversary. They held a stall outside the local activists, www.amnesty.org.uk/ Back in June, an estimated 20,000 people Amnesty bookshop and talked to people webfm_send/1573

Hertfordshire Bristol

Belfast York

15 STOP TORTURE

Not alone, never forgotten: on 26 June you stood with all those whose lives have been marked by torture

On 26 June, the International Day in victims. They also asked the public to action cards. The Oxford City group Support of Victims of Torture, groups held spin a specially created ‘Wheel of torture’ walked a section of the Thames Path in a wide range of events to remind people to remind them of the horrors of torture. glorious sunshine in September raising that thousands are being tortured around Shoppers were shocked when they awareness of the Stop Torture campaign. the world. heard the wheel was used by police in Six members of the Exeter group took In Newcastle, Amnesty Wearside and the Philippines to decide how to torture part in a 10.5 mile walk, raising £100. Freedom from Torture launched their first detainees. On 6 June, the Southampton group Giving Voice event. Speakers included Chi The Leeds group took to the streets to held their annual sponsored walk to Onwurah MP, with poetry from torture focus on the trade in torture equipment, Stop Torture. Other groups who have survivors and music from Crossings Choir followed by a card writing session. The taken part in campaigning walks are and One Love Hip Hop Crew. The event, Bournville group went to Birmingham Devizes, Sheffield, Hull, Northern Ireland attended by the Lord Mayor, not only city centre to oppose torture and demand groups, Cambridge, Bury St Edmonds, highlighted how widespread torture is justice for torture survivors. Their banner Manchester and Southend. globally but also how torture survivors read: ‘We are with you Uzbekistan’, where The Guildford group Stop Torture stall are being helped in the North. The event rampant torture plays a central role in the collected £200. At North Hertfordshire was covered by local radio. country’s justice system. Members from group’s stall in Hitchin, 39 people were The Bolton and Bury group asked the Norwich group showed their stance photographed with Stop Torture placards. people to join the Stop Torture campaign against torture in an hour-long vigil in the Cards were signed on behalf of Ali in Bolton town centre. They gave out city centre. Aarrass and Claudia Medina Tamariz and Amnesty balloons, and collected action In Bristol, the group went on a walking £160 was collected. The Kingston group cards and letters in support of torture tour of the area, handing out leaflets and supported Stop Torture with a stall.

Exeter

Oxford City Blackheath and Greenwich

Bristol

Southampton Guildford Penzance

16 Stop Torture actions carried on than 150 cards for the Stop Torture GOOD CAMPAIGN NEWS throughout the year. On 9 May the campaign were signed and 324 people • Shaker Aamer has been released. Mazazik Egyptian dance group and signed petitions. As people queued to • In September MEPs on the Trade Chechelele international choir performed enter the sale, a piñata saying ‘Stop Committee voted through an amended at a Stop Torture stall run by the York Torture in Mexico’ was smashed, version of the EU law prohibiting the group. It drew in the crowds: 150 cards and video of the stunt uploaded onto trade in torture equipment, which were signed. YouTube. addressed the majority of our concerns On 25 May, the Lytham St Annes In July, the Penzance group held around loopholes. In October, and Blackpool (now called Fylde Coast) a silent vigil as part of Cornwall’s Members of the European Parliament group held an awareness raising day at St Stop Torture campaign. They wore voted overwhelmingly to close these Anne’s Square, setting up a Stop Torture blindfolds to emphasise the point that loopholes. The vote was in the exhibition around the amphitheatre. Over governments should not turn a blind eye region of 630-30! The fight isn’t over. 200 action cards were signed calling on to torture. Cards were signed to send Individual member states will now governments to investigate allegations of to the authorities in the five priority need to agree to the proposals from the torture in their prisons. Local musicians countries. Truro group chair Hetty Tye EU parliament. supported the campaign, playing from was interviewed by The Cornishman, • 102,550 people viewed the spoof advert 10am to 4pm. The group were also and said: ‘We are calling for people to we produced for the London Arms Fair pleased to be joined by members of the support this important cause and let in September. It highlighted the illegal AKS school group. governments everywhere know we are advertising of torture equipment at past At the Blackheath and Greenwich following their actions and that torturers fairs. www.amnesty.org.uk/armsfairs group’s famous book sale in June, more will be held to account.’

Norwich

North Hertfordshire

York

Newcastle Bolton and Bury Bournville

17 EVENTS RESOURCES

3 DECEMBER 10 DECEMBER 15 DECEMBER GIVE IT UP FOR HUMAN LONDON YORK BANBURY RIGHTS KIT Booksale and AmnesTea Write for Rights card signing Write for Rights campaign Give It Up is a great way to learn 11am-3pm, Human Rights Action 10am-4pm, St Crux Parish Hall, 7pm-9pm, Bloxham Parish Rooms, about human rights and fundraise Centre, 17-25 New Inn Yard, Pavement, York YO1 9UP Church Street, Bloxham, Banbury at the same time. The concept is London, EC2A 3EA Contact 07889 443205 or OX15 4ET simple: get sponsored to ‘give up’ Buy books for £1 and gifts from [email protected] Contact Ian Myson one of your rights for the day in the Amnesty shop. Also join an [email protected] solidarity with others who have AmnesTea (1pm-3pm) with a card 11 DECEMBER no choice. writing session. MANCHESTER 20 DECEMBER Contact [email protected] Concert BRADFORD The kit contains everything you 7pm, Sacred Trinity Church, Chapel Concert need to run your Give It Up Day, 3-4 DECEMBER Street, Salford, £8 7.30pm, Rawdon Quaker including stickers, My Rights MELROSE Acoustic Amnesty in aid of Meeting House, Quakers Lane, Passport and suggestions for Card signing session Manchester Women’s Aid Rawdon, Leeds. sponsored activities. You can order 7pm, Ormiston Rooms, Market and Amnesty. Tickets www. Many contributors of the Bradford your kit by calling 020 7033 1650, Square, Melrose TD6 9PN. wegottickets.com/event/334698 Music Club perform. Ending the emailing [email protected]. Contact Moira M Walsh Rawdon Amnesty Series of music uk or download resources www. 01573 225500 12 DECEMBER and drama events organised by amnesty.org.uk/youthgiveitup WOKING Rawdon Quakers. Free. Donations 5 DECEMBER Write for Rights stall to Leeds group. FARNHAM Commercial Way, Woking Contact Barbara Parry Concert Contact Ruth Breddal [email protected] or 7.30pm, Pavilions at St Andrews [email protected] 0113 2503867 Church, Farnham, GU9 7PW Candles of Hope 30th anniversary. 14 DECEMBER 4 JANUARY Contact Pauline Lalor GUILDFORD FARNHAM [email protected] Write for Rights campaign Write for Rights campaign St Nicolas Parish Room, Bury 7.30pm, Pavilions at St Andrew’s 5 DECEMBER Street Church BRIGHTON Contact Marilyn Jarrett Contact Pauline Lalor Write for Rights signing session 01483 202502 [email protected] Friends Meeting House, Ship Street, Brighton Contact brightonandhoveai@ REGIONAL CONFERENCES AND AGM googlemail.com or 01273 607110 30 JANUARY 16 FEBRUARY Community Fundraising Pack 5 DECEMBER SOUTH MIDLANDS SOUTH EAST Full of fundraising ideas and advice WIRRAL 10.30am-4.30pm, Royal Latin 10am-4pm, Corn Exchange, Product code: CFR177 Write for Rights School, Buckingham Lewes Town Hall, Lewes, East 10am-2pm, Church of the Good Contact Emma Hart Sussex EX4 3AT Shepherd, 118 Telegraph Road, [email protected] Contact Philip Strudwick DREAMS OF FREEDOM Heswall, Wirral CH60 0AJ [email protected] or Contact Linda Hackett 30 JANUARY 014783 503876 0151 6323277 NORTHERN IRELAND 10am-4pm, Clanmil Housing 20 FEBRUARY 6 DECEMBER Association, 3 Waring Street, SOUTH WEST HULL Belfast BT1 2DX The Mint Methodist Church, Card signing session Contact Grainne Maginnis Fore Street, Exeter 11am-2pm, Vintage Café, [email protected] Contact Chris Ramsey 209 Chanterlands Avenue, [email protected] Hull HU5 3TT 6 FEBRUARY EAST ANGLIA 9-10 APRIL 7 DECEMBER Friend’s Meeting House, AMNESTY’S 2016 NATIONAL WOKING 12 Jesus Lane, Cambridge CONFERENCE AND AGM Write for Rights evening Contact Liesbeth ten Ham East Midlands Conference Centre, 8pm, Trinity Methodist Church, [email protected] Nottingham Our new book introduces children Brewery Road For info and to book (deadline to the concept of freedom and Contact Ruth Breddal 7 March) www.amnesty.org.uk/ human rights. [email protected] agm, amnesty@blueprintpartners. £12.99, order from com or 020 8875 8652. www.amnestyshop.org.uk

18 CONTACT US

MY BODY MY RIGHTS HUMAN RIGHTS ACT WRITE FOR RIGHTS LOCAL, YOUTH AND STUDENT GROUP ENQUIRIES 0207 033 1777 Email [email protected]

FUNDRAISING ENQUIRIES HRA badges 020 7033 1650 Product code: HRA004 (pink) Email [email protected] Product code: HRA005 (blue) Amnesty International UK The Human Rights Action Centre 17-25 New Inn Yard MBMR campaign leaflet Write for Rights Campaign London EC2A 3EA (A5, featuring fold out map) Booklet 2015 Telephone 020 7033 1500 Product code: MBM005 Includes information on all the Facsimile 020 7033 1503 cases featured in this year’s Textphone 020 7033 1664 campaign. Product code: WFR021 GROUPS NEWS EDITORIAL TEAM HRA Mini guide Dan Jones, Farshid Talaghani, Sets out the HRA with cases and an Richard Glynn, Ruth Taylor and action to Michael Gove. Anne Montague Product code: MBM001 DESIGN Amnesty International UK MBMR stickers Copy deadline for next issue Product code: MBM006 5 February 2016

TELL US IF YOU HAVE CHANGED Write for Rights Campaign Poster It is vital that you let us know (A3) 2015 about any changes to your group’s Product code: WFR022 office holders, such as Secretary, President, Campaign Coordinators HRA pocket guide and Treasurer. This will help us to A condensed version of the mini communicate with the right person MBMR pocket guide (A7) guide. in your group. When the office Product code: MBM0013 Product code: MBM002 holders or their addresses change, please send us details of name, address, phone and email, as well as details of the outgoing person. Please send details to Community Organising Team at activism@ amnesty.org.uk Write for Rights map of cases 2015 Product code: WFR023 IF YOU’RE SENDING IN PHOTOS MBMR temporary tattoos Photos should be high-resolution Product code: MBM009 All available to order from MDA, jpegs (at least 300KB) and emailed 01788 545 553 as an attachment or sent on a CD. You can also download For more tips, read the ‘Women’s HRA poster Write for Rights materials from rights in Afghanistan – let’s take The protections the Act gives us www.amnesty.org.uk/write action!’ blog post at all, with examples of people it has www.amnesty.org.uk/afghanistan helped. EXTRA CASES Product code: MBM003 An extra nine Write for Rights cases are available to download www.amnesty.org.uk/write or call 020 7033 1777 MBMR branded condoms Product code: MBM0010

19 STUDENT CONFERENCE

In November, 180 students came together a space where different networks and proof to the delegates of how campaign for a weekend of sessions, campaigning and campaign sections showcased their work creations can visually stand out. The networking at the annual Student Conference. and talked to the students about their photos will be sent to Albert in solidarity. Four plenaries covered the global refugee involvement. This included Human Rights crisis, the Human Rights Act, workers’ Education, Stop Torture, Asylum Justice NEW STUDENT ACTION rights and barriers to accessing abortion Project and Bahrain Action. COMMITTEE services in Ireland. Speakers included Steve The fundraising efforts of student groups At their Student Conference, students Symonds, Refugee and Migrant Rights were celebrated with the annual Raise elected a new Student Action Network programme director of AIUK, Jan Sutton, Off awards. Students agreed the target Committee (STAN). We’d like to welcome recent winner of the Liberty ‘Close to of £20,000 to raise throughout the next Rose Bennett (Birmingham), Nuri Syed Home’ award, and Isa Al-Aali, who as a academic year. Corser (Edinburgh), Emily Pugh (Royal 17-year-old student was involved in the Causing the most interest was the Holloway), Rona Hardie (Aberdeen), uprising in Bahrain in 2011. students’ campaign action on Albert Marian Abdullah (Kent), Ehanuele Sanna Students were kept busy with workshops Woodfox, 43 years in solitary in (Kings College London), Megan Hitchcock on fundraising, communications and Write Louisiana despite his conviction being (Academy of Contemporary Music) and for Rights. The focus was about turning overturned three times. They took a life- Thokozile Tembo (City). STAN’s focus for knowledge and ideas into action back on size cardboard cut-out of Albert to three 2016 will be on supporting the growth and campus, and how to ensure a campaign has London landmarks for a photo action, sustainability of student groups across the big impact. then assembled outside the US embassy UK, as well as promoting collaboration New to the conference was Marketplace, to demand his immediate release. It was between student, youth and local groups.

STAN Committee

Student Conference

Refugee workshop

Albert Woodfox campaign action Student Conference

If you require this document in an alternative format please contact: Tel 020 7033 1777 20 Textphone 020 7033 1664 / Email [email protected]