GROUPS NEWS THE NEWSLETTER FOR AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL UK WINTER 2017 LOCAL, STUDENT AND YOUTH GROUPS

INSIDE

TIME FOR JUSTICE INDIVIDUALS AT RISK See page 7

Scarborough

BEING YOURSELFIE PRIDE CELEBRATIONS Bradford See page 8 ALL TOGETHER NOW Synchronised photo action says: We welcome refugees

At exactly mid-day on 24 June, to celebrate communities to work together to create a Refugee Week, the Scarborough group more welcoming environment,’ said Rod gathered on the South Cliff to tell refugees Heath, group secretary and regional rep for in the UK they are welcomed and wanted. North East and Yorkshire. ‘We decided to do At the same time, 13 other groups this action together for maximum impact.’ around Yorkshire and the North-East took The York group came together at photos with similar messages at their local Clifford’s Tower. The Bradford group landmarks. gathered outside the Town Hall. Other In a bid to change the tone of discussion groups who took part included Barnsley, around refugees, the groups wanted to Wakefield, Newcastle, Wearside, Sheffield, celebrate the contributions of refugees. Wharfedale, Kirkbymoorside, Scunthorpe, EMBASSY CRAWL ‘The theme of Refugee Week was Our Leeds, Hexham and Kirklees. NEWS FROM THE GROUPS Shared Future. We wanted to encourage READ MORE on page 5 See page 10 EDITORIAL NOTICEBOARD

In the ‘Good Old Days’ there used to be at least two executions a week in this country. There were 200 different capital offences for which the guilty could be legally strangled including spending more than a month in the company of gypsies, picking pockets, the theft of goods worth at least 12 pence and committing a crime with your face blackened. I was 12 when I went on my first anti- death penalty demo. It was 1953. I stood in the rain with my Mum on a vigil outside Wandsworth Prison (picture). Eighteen-year- old Derek Bentley, who had just learned how to write his name, was about to be Football welcomes refugees ©Barrington Coombs/EMPICS hanged for ‘mentally aiding’ his young friend Chris to shoot dead PC Sidney Miles FOOTBALL WELCOMES: AGM ROLE VACANCIES during a botched burglary on a Croydon NEXT FIXTURE We are looking for people to represent rooftop. Football Welcomes 2018 will take place Amnesty at the Annual General Meeting I remember the debate in Amnesty at the on 21-22 April 2018. We want to build (AGM) 2018. There are four roles up for International Council Meeting in Sweden in on the success of the project last year election: 1977 when we first included work against by working with more football clubs • AGM Chair (1 vacancy) the death penalty in our Mandate. It was and refugee organisations, developing • Standing Orders Committee (1 vacancy) two years after the last execution in the UK community links, and exploring its • Members and Directors Appeals and only 16 countries had abolished the international potential. There are many Committee (2 vacancies) death penalty. opportunities for local groups to get Deadline for nominations is 16 February We had to wait until 1998 before involved and promote our work around 2018. executions were finally removed from refugees. For more info, visit: Britain’s statute book. Today 70 per If you’re interested, contact: Community www.amnesty.org.uk/agmroles cent of the world’s nations have either Organising Unit, [email protected] For queries, email abolished it in law or no longer use it in [email protected] practice, including: Fiji (2015), Republic NOMINATIONS FOR BOARD of the Congo (2015), Madagascar (2015), A reminder that nominations for the LEARNING ABOUT HUMAN Suriname (2015), Nauru (2016), Benin 2018-2021 Amnesty International UK RIGHTS DEFENDERS (2016) and Mongolia (2017). Board elections must be received by Over 60 activists attended the Amnesty However, 58 nations still retain 5pm on 11 January 2018. skillshare on the Human Rights Defenders executions in both law and practice, 23 Apply for full details and a nomination (BRAVE) campaign in Manchester on of whom were responsible for at least a pack from Selma Shirazi, Director’s Office, 7 October. Participants heard about thousand executions last year. As I write Amnesty International UK Section, the campaign from defenders, activists these words a new Amnesty International The Human Rights Action Centre, and experts working in the field. They UK network against the death penalty is 17-25 New Inn Yard, London EC2A 3EA shared their ideas and knowledge on being established in the Section to work or call 020 7033 1556 or email campaigning, community engagement, alongside our Women’s Action Network, the [email protected]. media and social media. They took action Asylum Justice Project, the LGBT Network You can also download an Election throughout the day by signing a message and the Children’s Network. Join up now! Pack at www.amnesty.org.uk/board- of solidarity onto a transgender flag for Dan Jones elections-2018 Sakris Kupila, whose case is highlighted in See page 14 the campaign and Write for Rights. CONNECTIONS WITH RAGS We are currently in discussion with RAGs to secure partnerships – and asking Amnesty student groups to contact their RAG about working together. For details and advice on this, contact [email protected], 020 7033 1646.

Demonstrators outside Wandsworth prison, 1953 © PA

2 FREEDOM FOR TURKEY’S SILENCED VOICES

Exhibition in support of journalists and human rights defenders

© Graeme Blackwell

In September, the newly-formed Kirklees Over 100 visitors wrote messages of Turkey is now the world’s biggest jailer group held the exhibition Silenced Voices support to the journalists. Photos of the of journalists. Since the failed coup in July in solidarity with jailed and exiled Turkish exhibition were retweeted by the Stockholm 2016, over 281 journalists are behind bars journalists and human rights activists. Centre for Freedom, Violations in Turkey and the authorities have closed down more In a powerful and moving spectacle, rows and the European Centre for Press and than 180 media outlets. of photographs of journalists detained or Media Freedom. Can Dündar, exiled Silenced Voices is a mobile exhibition. persecuted by the Turkish government filled former editor-in-chief of Turkish newspaper If any groups would like to share it, please the pews of Huddersfield Parish Church. Cumhuriyet previously jailed for his work, contact [email protected] Alongside them were photos of human saw the photos and tweeted: ‘Thank you Thank you to Reverend Simon Moor and rights defenders – including Idil Eser and for supporting Turkey’s jailed and wanted his team at Huddersfield Parish Church for Taner Kiliç of Amnesty Turkey – who are journalists. We appreciate your solidarity.’ their support. facing trial on trumped-up charges. Other thank-you messages came from One of the photographs featured Kerim Turkish journalists Tarik Toros, Mahmut Balci, who attended the exhibition. Kerim, Akpinar, Turan Gorurtilmaz and Celil Sagir. a former columnist with Zaman Daily closed ‘We have been overwhelmed by the down by the Turkish government, fled the response,’ says Paul. ‘Many visitors were country in 2016. Holding his photo, he visibly moved by the experience. The talked about the dangers his colleagues project – from idea to implementation – face and the importance of activism. took six weeks and it has all been worth it.’ ‘We wanted our exhibition to convey The group continued their creative work the impact of all these journalists being by videoing group members writing solidarity removed from society and being stopped in cards to imprisoned journalists and posting their role of telling truth to power and the them on social media to spread awareness of people they are meant to serve,’ says group cases and encourage more support. Watch on secretary Paul Cooney. YouTube (search ‘Kirklees solidarity letters’).

3 OUR SHARED FUTURE

A summer spent protecting refugees’ rights and celebrating all that unites us

Many groups marked this year’s Refugee causes. The audience heard from Beatrice group hosted an interactive, multi-media Week, 19-25 June, with events. On 20 Smith of Rwanda, who settled in the UK exhibition Escape to Safety. Staged in June, the Southampton group’s Music for in the 90s, and recent arrival to Colwyn Blackpool’s St John’s Church, it offered Refugees concert included performances by Bay, Osmar Muslim from Syria, who spoke people a 15-minute opportunity to the Blue Sky Choir, Salty Sea Dogs and The about losing his brother, how tough refugee experience what it is like to be a refugee. Southampton Folk Orchestra. The audience journeys are and then of the welcome in Over 168 people visited; some reviewed signed cards of welcome to refugees and a Wales. School children sang Under the it: ‘Emotional, intense and factual’ and petition to support reuniting child refugees Same Sun, a song written for Amnesty, and ‘Harrowing, makes you think – we just with their families in the UK. Mererid Hopwood read her poetry. Bishop aren’t doing enough’. Outside, a pair of six- The Bournville group ran a busy stall Gregory spoke of his wish to resettle more foot long, furry, bright yellow arms proved at CoCoMAD, a community festival in families in North Wales and Amnesty UK popular, as did the drumming group, which Cotteridge. Children coloured in 70 doves, director Kate Allen revealed more about included member John Morrow. representing freedom, and sat them in a the crisis and how to help. Visitors were In July, the Chester and Wrexham group tree branch. Over 200 people supported also able to view the I Welcome exhibition ran two Welcome Refugees with Open the petition to end indefinite detention by Magnum photographers detailing the Arms events in Wrexham and Chester town of asylum seekers. All were sent to the difficulties of refugees from the past 70 centres to encourage people to support Immigration Minister. years. Action cards were signed supporting and more understand the refugee situation. On 7 July, 300 people attended family reunion. People had their photo taken in the giant Refugees: Reflections in Words and Music The Kirklees group held a stall at yellow welcome arms. Meanwhile, the organised by the Colwyn Bay group and the local park, where the Hands Off I Welcome exhibition was on display at Ysgol Eirias youth group at St Asaph Huddersfield Royal Infirmary campaign Chester Cathedral. The Truro and Falmouth Cathedral. The group won the opportunity group were holding a fun day. The public group also put the I Welcome exhibition on to use the Cathedral for free in an annual posed with I Welcome placards. in Truro Cathedral. competition open to charities and good On 24 and 25 July, the Fylde Coast The giant yellow arms made their way to

Southampton Bournville Colwyn Bay & Ysgol Eirias

Fylde Coast Chester and Wrexham Wakefield

Truro and Falmouth Liverpool Chelmsford

4 the Africa Oye! Festival for numerous photo a small reminder of what thousands of The Art House. It included film screenings, opportunities at the Liverpool group’s stall. refugees have to experience every night,’ a drop-in workshop and the chance to find Passers-by made paper chains for a stunt to said the group. It raised £570 for their local out about Amnesty’s work. promote refugee rights. charity Side by Side Refugees. On 20 June, the Scottish Amnesty office On 5 June, Dawn Judd gave a talk The Belfast group held a Great Refugee and local members took a moment to Refugees Living in Terror to the Fylde Coast Week picnic at Ormeau park in Belfast. stand for refugees in Glasgow city centre. A group’s meeting. Dawn Judd, a volunteer The Norwich group co-hosted a Welcome human chain was formed to symbolise their for Care4Calais, has seen intolerable Refugees pub social with poetry and connection to refugees. The SambaYaBamba conditions. She recounted stories of music, including Moussa from Sudan who Youth Street Band performed. refugees facing constant abuse, threats accompanied his singing on a home-made and violence, including the story of one rababa (see photo). Half of the 50 people child refugee who had travelled 12,000 attending were refugees. COVER STORY: At mid-day on miles and been passed between 25 sets The Minehead group marked Refugee 24 June, 14 groups in the North East of smugglers. She spoke of her frustration Week by screening the award-winning and Yorkshire region took part in a joint that the government has abandoned the documentary Fire at Sea, which contrasts photo action to support refugees. They so-called ‘Dubs amendment’ legislation, the lives of the desperate thousands landing took photos (below) at local landmarks expected to lead to the resettlement in on the shores of an Italian island with to welcome refugees. The stunt was Britain of 3,000 unaccompanied children. the everyday life of the locals. They also covered by local media. ‘We all felt it was a big achievement,’ says Rod Heath However, the scheme was closed after only displayed the I Welcome photo exhibition. from the Scarborough group. ‘It brought 350 had arrived. The Wakefield group held a Refugee Week all our members together, was simple The Chelmsford group organised a Sleep display at Wakefield Cathedral and a stall at to arrange and made a powerful point.’ Out to raise awareness of the refugee crisis. the Community Iftar in Thrornes Park. The Thank you to everyone who took part ‘Even though it was mid-summer, many group joined forces with Wakefield District (see cover for group names). of us found it cold and uncomfortable – City of Sanctuary to host a refugee event at

Kirklees Wharfedale Sheffield Newcastle and Wearside

Wakefield Kirkbymoorside Scunthorpe

Hexham Barnsley Leeds

5 OUR SHARED FUTURE

Tom Davies, Amnesty manager for the GREAT WALK, GREAT GET I Welcome refugee campaign, spoke at TOGETHER Reading group’s stall at the Reading Salli Martlew of the Wakefield group International Festival, on 12 October. The organised a 35km walk and get together group were joined by Reading Refugee to continue the late Jo Cox’s legacy. She Support Group, Reading’s Student Action tells us about the day. for Refugees and local faith groups. 22 June. Sunshine made all the difference! We arrived at Heath Common COMMUNITY SPIRIT at 6.30am to find gazebos and marquees In honour of the late Jo Cox MP, groups got already being erected. The first of the team behind the Great Get Together, 16-18 June. of 35km walkers set off at 7am and were Jo was a champion of refugee rights and next seen sore-footed and sweaty at 3pm. Wakefield believed that we are a welcoming society The 5km walk provided its own that celebrates diversity. In that spirit, delightful surprises. Individuals who came brass band, had us clapping, laughing the Guildford group held a picnic. They for a stroll to Kirkthorpe and back pallied and even dancing, joined by our local MP were joined by members from Woking and up with groups and individuals and then . The bouncy castle bounced Farnham groups as well as local groups shared tea, or a beer, at the end of the all afternoon. and clubs. The Minehead group spent a walk. Conversations obviously unfinished! A delightful duo Sarah and Will lifted ‘rewarding morning’ handing out flowers Although it was Ramadan, the Imam all spirits, then Jonathan and his Ukulele and cakes to passers-by who were invited to from Wakefield Central Mosque walked group lead us through a singalong. sign a card for Brendan Cox, Jo’s husband. up with a friend to spend time with us Daisy and Glenn who had sorted out Over 260 signatures were collected. The before the music began. We started with the afternoon’s music brought the event Bradford group held a stall at a community Eastern music followed by local Merrie to a close with their own choices. Nick picnic in City Park. The sun shone at City Singers and then Red Shed poets who Martlew, the instigator of it all, stood up Heeley City Farm where the Sheffield group returned later in the afternoon. A sixth in his bright red Great Get Together t-shirt, held a mini festival in collaboration with former with guitar and beautiful voice flat cap and broad smile to echo the local groups Hope Not Hate, Assist and City gave way to Skinny Living who had us all appreciation and joy of everyone there. of Sanctuary. It included music, dancers, bopping. The Great Get Together, the teamwork, poetry, face painting, a speakers’ tent Meanwhile the fire fighters of White all enjoying ourselves in the sunshine and a static-cycle challenge where people Watch turned up with their fire engine – and finally everyone left standing taking pedalled from Sheffield to Batley and Spen, what a cheerful crew. I found the mayor down the tents and packing up to leave Jo’s constituency. , MP for and mayoress of Normanton tucking into Heath Common at the end of a still Heeley, attended and group member Mike scones, later joined by the mayor and sunny, satisfying, nay joyous occasion, Livingston was interviewed about the event mayoress of Wakefield. On stage, Back was heartening in the moment. Jo loved on BBC Radio Sheffield. Meanwhile the Chat Brass, a modern version of the old a party! Manchester group had a stall at the Great Get Together in Crowcroft Park.

Guildford

Reading Minehead Bradford

6 WRITE FOR RIGHTS 2017 was INDIVIDUALS launched on 1 November, see page 14. Shackelia Jackson (see Time for Justice below) features AT RISK in this year’s campaign

OUT OF THE SILENCE TIME FOR JUSTICE Mansoor arrested by the UAE authorities On 1 October, Ely City group’s annual Ben The Reading group raised awareness of on charges of spreading sectarianism and Jupp Memorial lecture proved so popular unlawful killings by the police in Jamaica. hatred on social media. The Manchester it had to be moved to a bigger space at Ely Nakiea Jackson, shot and killed by police in group is holding vigils outside the Town Hall Cathedral. Over 300 people came to hear 2014, was the focus. His sister Shackelia every fourth Monday to call for his freedom. Terry Waite’s Out of the Silence talk. Jackson is still fighting for justice. The See events, page 14. In 1987, as the envoy of the Archbishop group ran stalls at the Reading Carnival, of Canterbury, Terry Waite tried to engineer East Reading Festival, Reading Waterfest MISSING OUT ON FAMILY LIFE the release of hostages held in Lebanon, and WOMAD, collecting petition signatures Many groups made beautiful origami tulips but ended up a hostage of Hezbollah to send to the Jamaican Minister of Justice inscribed with cherished family memories himself. He remained in captivity for calling for an end to police violence. At for British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe almost five years, mainly in solitary WOMAD, 952 people signed the petition and Kamal Foroughi, imprisoned in Iran. confinement. and five new members joined Amnesty. The Silsden group made theirs at an Terry told the audience in Ely about Performers showing their support included AmnesTea with the help of those years, and how language and poet Benjamin Zephaniah and African dance MP. The Haslemere group hung Nazanin’s memories helped him. He focused on teacher Rubba. image on their tree in the Town Meadow and Amnesty – his daughter Clare worked for The group uploaded their solidarity photos every week write to her, Alistair Burt and the the International Secretariat for 14 years – on the @time4justiceja Facebook page and authorities in Iran. and stressed the importance of cards and were delighted when Shackelia responded: letters. ‘This … reminded me that together we can LETTER FROM THAILAND ‘Four years into captivity Terry received speak up for those who no longer have a The Wirral group were ‘humbled and his first and only piece of mail – a voice. I am sure these visibility efforts and inspired’ to receive a letter from human solidarity postcard from a well-wisher,’ work will cause the legislative changes that rights lawyer Sirikan ‘June’ Charoensiri says group secretary Sally MacEachern. ‘It will protect others. You guys are amazing!’ who faces 15 years in prison for her work. raised his spirits and gave him hope as he The Henley College youth group also collected The group had sent a petition to the Thai knew then he had not been forgotten.’ petition signatures for Shackelia. authorities urging them to drop all charges The I Welcome exhibition was also on against her – and a copy to June. She display. A collection, split between Amnesty FOR AHMED MANSOOR replied: ‘I truly appreciate your continued and Hostage UK, raised £680. June marked 100 days of detention for support and solidarity. The struggle for human rights activist and blogger Ahmed better never ends.’

Henley College

Ely City Manchester

Reading Wirral Silsden

7 PRIDE AND JOY

The freedom to be who you are

Flags were at the ready as Amnesty groups the persecution of gay men in Chechnya. At least 60 people posed behind ‘Love took part in Prides across the UK. On 20 And the Fylde Coast group set off on the is a human right’ selfie frames made by May, the Harrogate group supported the Blackpool which laughed, the Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch town’s first ever Pride. Speaking at the drummed, sang and danced its way to the group at BourneFree Pride festival on 1 event, mayor Nick Brown told the crowds Winter Gardens where 200 people signed July. ‘We got over 150 cards signed relating ‘the sun always shines on the righteous’ cards for Chechnya. to the atrocities in Chechnya and everyone and spoke of the importance of celebrating For a third year, the Chelmsford group was interested in what we were all about,’ diversity. On 26 May, the joined the Essex Pride in Central Park on said the group. group supported Birmingham Pride with 24 June. So many people visited their At on 8 July around placards, banners and elaborate costumes. stall, they ran out of action cards and 200 people marched through the city with On 10 June, the York group went to Pride stickers. Photos were taken of supporters our Amnesty float holding ‘Human rights for the fourth year. Over 200 postcards holding messages of support for equality happen here’ and ‘We exist’ placards. were signed in support of people who in Japan, where LGBTI people face huge Badges and flags were handed out. face discrimination or persecution for discrimination. They also welcomed the It was a fantastic day for the Swindon their sexual orientation or gender identity. deputy mayor of Basildon, David Burton- group at the Swindon and Wiltshire Pride Rachael Maskell MP lent her support with Sampson. on 29 July. They collected action cards and the message ‘Love is a human right’. At Exmouth Pride on 1 July, the Exeter added new names to their mailing list. The Also that day, the Canterbury group group collected 200 signed cards calling for Sheffield group had a ‘wonderful response’ marched in the parade through the city. an investigation into the abduction, torture at their city’s Pride. Many people took part At their stall, over 300 cards were signed and killing of over 100 men suspected of in their photo campaign asking Japan to calling on the Russian authorities to stop being gay in Chechnya. bring in measures to protect LGBTI people

Harrogate Birmingham York

Canterbury Fylde Coast Chelmsford Exeter

Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch London Swindon

8 from discrimination, and over 400 action The Manchester group supported members were also out in force at Prides in cards were signed for Chechnya. in August. Led by a Croydon, Hull, Oxford and Stockport. At the Norwich Pride on 29 July, the member in ‘Love is a human right’ rainbow group joined the parade and held a stall wings, they were hard to miss, with placards EQUAL MARRIAGE at The Forum. Highlights were a Question and 200 pink helium balloons. Members On 1 July, around 20,000 people took Time – putting the politics into Pride – and of the Greater Manchester Humanist to the streets of Belfast to demand equal a huge rainbow cake. Choir joined them. The group also held a marriage legislation for Northern Ireland, On 1 August, thousands of people on successful stall at Levenshulme Pride: 246 the only part of the UK and Ireland where the streets of Belfast called for an end cards were signed for #Chechnya100. same-sex marriage is still outlawed. The to Northern Ireland’s ban on same-sex The Bristol group took part in Bristol march and rally were initiated by Amnesty marriages during the city’s Pride Parade. Pride and the Isle of Wight group went to and organised with the Love Equality Irish marriage-equality campaigner and writer their local pride inspired by the coverage coalition, NI’s main LGBTI groups, plus the Una Mullally delivered the annual Amnesty created at the Isle of Wight festival. trade union and student union movements. International Pride Lecture. ‘Marriage On the 19 August, the Glasgow West It was strongly supported by local groups equality is not just an issue for lesbian and group and other supporters took part in the and activists with Amnesty’s Love Is A gay couples, it is not just about weddings, Glasgow Pride parade. It was a good turnout Human Right placards featuring in the it is not just about extending access to an with action cards signed for gay men in march and media coverage. There were institution to people who have been excluded Chechnya. On 2 September, the Reading solidarity actions in London, Edinburgh from it. It is about recognising that all of us group joined the Love United Reading and Cardiff. are equal and deserve to be seen and treated Pride. Ten people joined the LGBTI Network as such,’ she said. and 264 action cards were signed. Group

Sheffield Norwich Belfast

Manchester Isle of Wight Reading Glasgow West © Dustin Hosseini

Croydon Hull Stockport Oxford

9 NEWS FROM THE GROUPS

A NIGHT-IN TO REMEMBER MASS ACTION ANNIVERSARIES On 20 September, many groups took part On 23 September, the Lambeth group held Choirs celebrated United Nations in Give a Home for Human Rights – the their annual embassy crawl to highlight International Day of Peace on 21 global music project organised by Amnesty Amnesty’s new campaign on human rights September in Truro. Singing, readings and and Sofar Sounds. Over 1,000 musicians defenders. The group marched to seven other activities took place on the steps of performed in over 300 secret locations embassies – Chile, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, the Cathedral. People browsed the Truro (including living rooms) in 60 countries to Egypt, Iran, Bahrain and Finland – stopping at and Falmouth group’s stall, signed action tell their governments #IWelcome refugees. each for an action to pressure governments to cards and picked up information about the Many group members were involved as recognise and protect human rights defenders. I Welcome and #againsthate campaigns. speakers, bucket shakers and general In July, groups remembered Srebrenica Amnesty ambassadors. In Nottingham, HUMAN RIGHTS CITY 22 years on. A film was made by the group was at Notts Country Football In April, York was declared the UK’s first members of the Hampstead and Belsize, Club. And the Newcastle group went to Human Rights City. At the group’s meeting Lambeth, Waltham Forest and Richmond, the North of Institute of Mining in September, Heidi Chan of the Centre for Twickenham and Kingston groups. It shows and Mechanical Engineers. Many members Applied Human Rights at the University of them making a banner naming the 8,372 were squashed into private homes, some York, discussed what that means. men and boys who were killed, and people bigger than others! adding messages of peace. Thank you for making this first-of-a- SILENCED VOICES On 26 September, the Blackheath and kind project such a success. It generated On 7 September, the Manchester group Greenwich group delivered roses to the huge media coverage and we’re delighted supported Silenced Voices: Women in Assad’s Mexico embassy to honour the Ayotzinapa with the feedback. We hope the gigs Prisons curated by the Rethink, Rebuild Society students who disappeared three years ago. will be the start of some important artist of Syrian women in Manchester. This powerful And the Newcastle group celebrated the collaborations. For more photos and round- exhibition told the stories of 16 women detained International Day in Support of Victims ups of the days, see www.sofarsounds.com/ in Syrian prisons; most have been tortured and of Torture at the Giving Hope event they giveahome not heard of since 2014. It was visited by Jeff helped to organise with Freedom from Smith MP, and local councillors, and letters Torture. were signed to MPs to help raise awareness.

Truro and Falmouth Bournville Sofar, London

Lambeth Blackheath and Greenwich York

10 NEWS FROM THE GROUPS

CANVASSING THE CANDIDATES significance of your humanitarian vision In Manchester, the local group organised and the candle light of human right than a OBITUARIES a hustings, quizzing two candidates on a man who spent more than 20 years of his Betty Owen range of human rights issues including the life in the dark.’ (pictured), a Human Rights Act, welcoming refugees and lifelong member pulling out of supplying arms to countries FESTIVAL SEASON of Amnesty, died with a bad human rights record. The The Buxton group used the Buxton Spring in November age Cambridge group put forward questions to Fair to launch their new case: the village 91. She served their local candidates about refugees at a of Jayyus in the Occupied West Bank. The as secretary of hustings hosted by the Cambridge Convoy security fence/wall has cut off the villagers the Portsmouth Refugee Action group. Eilidh MacPherson, from two thirds of their farming land. Action group for 10 co-ordinator of Amnesty’s Individuals at postcards were signed to send to the Israeli years until Risk programme, spoke to the Watford group embassy and head of Israel Defence Forces. ill health prevented her from active in May about defending human rights and The public wrote messages of solidarity participation. Even then she hosted the general election. and drew pictures of Buxton to introduce Write for Rights and meetings at her themselves to the Jayyus residents. As part home. Her support never wavered. She GOOD LUCK BUT NOT GOODBYE of the Festival of Chichester, the Bognor, is greatly missed. The Bournville group held a tea party for Chichester and District group proudly hosted Bridget Russell, a valued member Penny and Vernon Batsford to celebrate Aria and Song for Amnesty. Thanks to the of the Canterbury group, died in April, 40 years of work for Amnesty and the musical line-up and generous audience, aged 88. She would listen before group. The pair successfully campaigned £688 was raised. The Hull group’s stall at quietly making her point, which was for prisoners of conscience. In 1987, the Freedom Festival in September featured always practical and full of common they received a letter from Chen, Ming- radical reformer Perronet Thompson who sense. Although she suffered from Chong for whom they spent over 10 years supported universal suffrage. At Celebrating failing eye-sight she continued campaigning for. It worked eventually and Syria: A Festival of Arts and Culture, the campaign work. She is remembered his appreciation was palpable: ‘I believe no Manchester group chatted to festival goers with gratitude and respect. one can understand better the value and about Amnesty’s work.

Newcastle

Buxton

Hampstead and Belsize, Lambeth, Waltham Forest and Richmond, Twickenham and Kingston Bognor, Chichester and District Watford

11 NEWS FROM THE GROUPS

STALLS AND STREET AMNESTEAS AND JAMNESTYS concert in July. Around 100 people came COLLECTIONS To celebrate International Women’s Week, and enjoyed poetry, dancing and the guest Rotherham group’s stall drew attention to the York group held an AmnesTea in March. star, local comedian Shazia Mirza. saving the Human Rights Act. Over 100 People ate cake and sandwiches, and On 17 September, the Minehead group’s signatures were collected for a petition to the shared stories of brave and courageous concert, a lecture-recital, in St Michael’s Minister for Justice, and children coloured women. It proved popular so the group Church at Alcombe, raised £700. The in rainbows. Warrington group’s collection organised another tea party in May, raising theme was the life and music of Paul raised £200 for Amnesty. Manchester group £390. The Croydon group combined their Robeson. Everyone was moved by the story held their annual collection in the city centre AmnesTea with a bric-a-brac sale raising of his indomitable spirit, his struggles and on 30 September. Two street collections £345. A solidarity card was signed for the achievements, not least in human rights. run by the Bolton and Bury group totalled group’s adopted prisoner Ali Aarrass in Welsh bass Huw Morgan, accompanied £213. Meanwhile, the group’s stall at Bolton Morroco. The Carlisle group’s Jamnesty in on the piano by Keith Jones, sang some market, selling books, DVDs and CDs, raised August saw local bands Wearequasars, Blind of Robeson’s best-loved songs. ‘They held £150. Fiction, Freefall and Bear Claw play for free. the audience in the palms of their hands, In Minehead, the group’s AmnesTea at a making us laugh and, at times, be close to LABOUR BEHIND THE LABEL member’s home raised £148. tears,’ said the group. When a student from the University of Exeter The North Herts group held their annual group went home to Matlock for the summer A SONG AND DANCE AND QUIZ quiz night in October. ‘It was a great holidays, she organised a clothes swap in The Ely City group once again brought evening of spectacularly hard and devious aid of Amnesty. Molly-May Smith teamed members of Ronnie Scott’s All Stars for questions and ten teams fought it out,’ up with the Wirksworth group to put on the a memorable afternoon of brilliant jazz in said the group. It raised over £500. Thanks event. ‘As well as rails of clothes, Monkee the stunning gardens of the Old Palace. to quiz-master Max Summerhayes, ably Genes, a local ethical jeans company, Heading the line-up was James Pearson, assisted by his daughters. donated 40 pairs of jeans. There was a cake resident pianist and Artistic Director at Composer and guitarist Gordon Giltrap stall and raffle, live soul and disco music, Ronnie Scotts, and acclaimed singer Polly expressed delight in joining local guitar and the group’s stall with our mini-campaign Gibbons. There was a Pimms stall and maestros Ray Mytton and Paul White to #whomademyclothes projected onto a raffle. It raised £2,000. busk for Amnesty, organised by the Malvern screen,’ says Molly. All left-over clothes went For the 17th year running, the Hornsey & Hills group. Gordon played on the guitar to Derbyshire Refugee Solidarity. Wood Green group held a garden party and given to him by The Who’s Pete Townsend.

Silsden Minehead © C Lawson

Cardiff University

Rotherham

Manchester Blackheath and Greenwich Malvern Hills

12 NEWS FROM THE GROUPS

Passers-by signed a petition calling for a Johnson urging him to talk to Iranian Aberdeen University, Cardiff University, time limit on immigration detention. officials about Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s London Met, Oxford University, Queen In July, the Manchester group organised wrongful imprisonment. The Anglia Ruskin Mary London, University of Birmingham, an Acoustic Amnesty evening of music and University RAG Society chose Amnesty to University of Kingston, Exeter University poetry. The audience signed an appeal be one of their three RAG week charities. and Belfast University. New groups were letter for Iranian musician Yousef Emadi Fifteen local yoga teachers ran an started in Lincoln, Ulster and Brighton imprisoned in Iran because of his work. ‘uplifting’ sponsored sun salutation (who signed up an amazing 260 new organised by the North Herts group. The members). A huge welcome to you all. BOOKS, CAKES AND CAMPAIGNS teachers led enthusiasts through 108 The Blackheath and Greenwich group’s sun salutations (a series of movements 43rd annual book sale took place in June. and postures designed to be done in the ORGANISE CAROL SINGING The focus was on freeing British charity direction of the sun) over two and a half Last year groups across London stood up worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, wrongly hours at the Yoga Shed. It raised £542. for human rights by singing carols in aid jailed in Iran – and now facing new charges The Aberdeen University student group of Amnesty. In total, £4,000 was raised. that could add 16 years to her five-year are running a One World Week in October The Lambeth, Islington & Hackney, sentence. Her husband Richard Ratcliffe and a ‘run for refugees’. The Royal Westminster and Bayswater, and and other members of her family, who live Holloway group held a pub crawl and bake Richmond and Twickenham groups have in London, attended, and 114 tulips with sale. And Rosie Van Sanden is looking already booked slots in the underground messages of support were made to give to to start a group at University of West in December. them. It raised £10,079. England. If any groups would like to hold a The Silsden group may look like they’re The Clevedon School youth group held Christmas carol singing collection at relaxing (see picture) but this was a break their fourth annual 24-hour fundraiser, their local underground or train stations during their sponsored walk which raised this time on rowing machines set up on and need advice on how to arrange it, £500. The Isle of Wight group completed a Clevedon pier. contact Richard Glynn, Community walk around the Brading Marsh, a famous Fundraising Team, 020 7033 1650, RSPB reserve, raising £100. NEW MEMBERS [email protected] In September, Amnesty held a stall at September and October saw over 50 the Brunel University RAG fair. Students student groups organise Freshers Fair posed with our placards and tweeted Boris stalls across the UK, including at

Isle of Wight University of Lincoln Oxford University

University of Kingston North Herts London Met

Queen Mary London University University of Birmingham Clevedon School

13 EVENTS RESOURCES

Send upcoming events info to the Community Organising Unit at [email protected] by 9 March 2018 to appear in the Spring 2018 issue.

28 NOVEMBER 9 DECEMBER SAVE THE DATE 2018 WRITE FOR RIGHTS GREENWICH AND BLACKHEATH WESTCLIFF-ON-SEA Amnesty’s 2018 National Write for Rights card writing Write for Rights card writing Conference and AGM Write for Rights 7.30pm, Greenwich Tavern, 10am-1pm, The Balmoral Centre, 7-8 April, Swansea campaign booklet 1 King William’s Walk, SE10. Salisbury Avenue, Westcliff-on-Sea University Includes information Contact SS0 7AU. Free to attend. Deadline for on all the cases [email protected] Contact Mike Pregnall resolutions 7 January at featured in this 01702 20478 [email protected] year’s campaign. 2 DECEMBER For info and to book BRIGHTON 10 DECEMBER amnesty.org.uk/agm Product code: WFR 030 Write for Rights event 10am-4pm, Friends Meeting Human Rights Day event VIGILS House, Ship Street, Brighton BN1 2.30-3.45pm, Sunderland , The Manchester group is 1AF. Creative card making, Sunderland SR1 3ET. Wearside holding regular vigils for the photo-frame action, live music, group talk about their work, hold release of Ahmed Mansoor, tea and cakes. displays and promote Write for detained by the UAE Contact brightonandhoveai@ Rights. authorities. All welcome. googlemail.com Contact Steve Newman Every fourth Monday of the 01915 250093 month before their meeting. Write for Rights A2 poster and map 6 DECEMBER 6.30pm, back entrance of Product code: WFR 031 STROUD 15 DECEMBER St Peter’s Square. Card writing session READING Contact manchestergroup@ 7-9.30pm, Star Anise Arts Café, 1 Concert amnesty.org.uk Gloucester Street, Stroud GL5 1QG. 7.30pm, Chantry House, Henley- Contact 01453 872446 or on-Thames RG9 2AU, £13/£8. WELCOME CINEMA 07969 505488 An evening of classical music in a Regular evenings of food, film beautiful setting with mince pies and Q&A panel discussions set 6-11 DECEMBER and mulled wine. up by ex-volunteers at the Calais BRISTOL Contact camp to support newly-arrived Tree festival [email protected] refugees in the UK. Free for Church, Bristol. refugees and asylum seekers, The Bristol group display their 26 JANUARY tickets start at £17.50 for Amnesty tree at Treefest 2017. HULL everyone else. Next event, A3 poster: Shackelia Jackson Contact www.treefest.org.uk Concert www.welcomecinema.org Product code: WFR 032 7.30pm, Judi Dench Theatre, A3 poster: Istanbul 10 8 DECEMBER Hymers College, Hull HU3 1LW, ANTI-DEATH PENALTY Product code: WFR 033 MINEHEAD £15/£10 under-18s and students. PROJECT A3 poster: Sakris Kupila Write for Rights stall Info/tickets hullamnestygroup@ Amnesty’s new activist-led Anti Product code: WFR 034 10am-12 noon, Minehead gmail.com or 01482 849443 Death Penalty Project will drive A3 poster: Issa Amro and Methodist Church. forward our campaign to end the Farid al-Atrash Info at amnesty.org.uk/minehead 26 JANUARY death penalty. At a workshop on Product code: WFR 035 BOURNVILLE 25 November, staff and activists 9 DECEMBER Quiz night will set priorities, identify key BIRMINGHAM 7pm, St Mary’s Parish Centre, audiences and select an activist Concert Vivian Road, Harborne B17 0DN. steering committee. The group 10am-1pm, Carrs Lane Church, Contact [email protected] will meet regularly, host events, Carrs Lane, Birmingham B4 7SX, workshops and talks, support £6, under-16s free. ONLINE COURSE individuals on death row, and Contact [email protected] Human Rights Defenders: take action to put pressure on Action card: Istanbul 10 Amnesty’s free short course is governments. There will also be Product code: WFR 036 9 DECEMBER available online now until 24 opportunities to work alongside Action card: Shackelia Jackson CHICHESTER January 2018. You will follow our Women’s Action Network, Product code: WFR 037 Write for Rights table stories of human rights defenders the LGBT Network and the 10am-12 noon, Cathedral Green, and the threats they face, and learn Children’s Network. Chichester. about ways to take action for them. If you’d like to get involved More info amnesty.org.uk/groups/ It will prepare you to take part in email michael.quinn@amnesty. bognor-chichester-and-district the global campaign and connect org.uk you to other course participants. Write for Rights stickers Info and register at edx.org (search (20 stickers per sheet) for ‘human rights defenders’) Product code: WFR 038

14 CONTACT US

All campaign materials available to order from MDA: 01788 545 553

I WELCOME AGAINST HATE LOCAL, YOUTH AND STUDENT REFUGEE CAMPAIGN MATERIALS GROUP ENQUIRIES 020 7033 1777 Refugees Community Action Pack Email [email protected] How to get your community behind this campaign FUNDRAISING ENQUIRIES Product code: REF16/001 020 7033 1650 Against hate stickers Email [email protected] (20 stickers per sheet) Product code: AH001 Amnesty International UK The Human Rights Action Centre 17-25 New Inn Yard London EC2A 3EA Refugees Welcome stickers Telephone 020 7033 1500 (15 stickers per sheet) Facsimile 020 7033 1503

Product code: REF16/002 AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL Textphone 020 7033 1664

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL www.amnesty.org.uk Against hate placards Double-sided (pink and green) GROUPS NEWS Product code: AH002 EDITORIAL TEAM Dan Jones, Farshid Talaghani, Richard Glynn, Anne Montague and James Farndon DESIGN Amnesty International UK Copy deadline for next issue Refugees Welcome Pledge poster Against hate badges 9 March 2018 Product code: REF16/004 I Welcome exhibition pack Product code: AH003 (yellow/pink) Includes 30 exhibition panels Product code: AH004 (yellow/green) (A3 size) including images and TELL US IF YOU HAVE information and a 12-page guide BAN ISRAELI CHANGED to staging your own I Welcome SETTLEMENT GOODS It is vital that you let us know exhibition Campaign materials about any changes to your group’s Product code: REF16/005 office holders, such as Secretary, President, Campaign Coordinators and Treasurer. This will help us to communicate with the right person in your group. When the office holders or their addresses change, please send us details of name, address, phone and email, as well as details of I Welcome placards Campaign briefing the outgoing person. Product code: REF16/006 Product code: IOPT001 Please send details to Community Organising Team at [email protected] I Welcome exhibition poster To advertise your event IF YOU’RE SENDING IN PHOTOS Product code: REF16/007 Photos should be high-resolution jpegs (at least 300KB) and emailed as an attachment or sent on a CD. Family reunion action cards A5 action cards Product code: REF16/008 Product code: IOPT002

Weatherproof banner 2 metres x 85cm, comes in a tube Product code: COU001 Placards Product code: IOPT007

15 STUDENT CONFERENCE

On 11 and 12 November, 200 students is featured in this year’s Write for Rights media and fundraising. The global refugee attended the annual Amnesty Student campaign. campaign I Welcome was covered with Conference at the Human Rights Action The students created their own placards students asked to call on the Home Office Centre. and slogans to stand with Sakris, then took to stop separating child refugees from their The Brave campaign protecting human them out on the streets of London. They families. Delegates held their AGM and rights defenders was a focus. Sakris Kupila, asked people to be photographed behind a elected the new Student Action Network a determined trans rights activist from selfie frame to demonstrate their support for Committee (STAN). We’d like to welcome Finland, gave a powerful opening speech trans rights. the successful candidates. At the end of sharing his experiences and the importance The conference offered stimulating the conference, @metallicmoss tweeted: of solidarity. The 21-year-old trans medical workshops including workers’ rights in ‘Tearing up at the closing remarks cause student has faced harassment and threats Iran, Football Welcomes and the campaign I just realised how amazing this weekend because of his campaigning to change the to ban Israeli settlement goods. Students was. I’m so happy to be a part of it.’ gender-recognition law in Finland, and were also trained on lobbying, social

Sakris Kupila Photos © Marie-Anne Ventoura

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

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