GROUPS NEWS THE NEWSLETTER FOR UK SPRING 2017 LOCAL, STUDENT AND YOUTH GROUPS

INSIDE

OPPOSING TRUMP’S TRAVEL BAN PROTEST RALLIES See page 3

© Marie-Anne Ventoura GETTING TO GRIPS WITH THE NEW WORLD ORDER It has been a momentous year for human There were also opportunities for rights, in the UK and abroad, so our 2017 Amnesty activists to show off their National Conference and AGM was a time campaign props. A giant effigy of Mary to take stock of a changing world. Murdoch – Hull’s first female GP and a The event started with Brendan Cox, women’s suffrage campaigner – roamed widower of murdered MP Jo Cox, lighting the conference centre, while a pair of PEOPLE TO PEOPLE the Amnesty candle and reminding all six-foot long, furry, bright yellow arms WRITE FOR RIGHTS present of the importance of activism and reached out to welcome refugees. See page 4 mutual solidarity in local communities. Amnesty’s creative coordinator, Dan The keynote discussion focused on hate Jones, hosted an Activism Showcase crime in the UK and the discriminatory with prizes for the Queen’s University policies of the Trump administration Belfast group for their contribution in the USA. The audience learned that to the My Body My Rights campaign, hate crime is hugely under-reported, and and for the Newcastle and Cambridge that even supposedly minor abuse such groups for their speedy organisation as name-calling can have catastrophic of rallies against President Trump’s results if people experience it every day discriminatory travel ban (see page 3). without let-up. Naureen Shah, from The Bingley Grammar and Freman Amnesty USA, stressed the importance College youth groups also received of putting international pressure on prizes for their campaigning and President Trump. fundraising activities. Discussion of AGM resolutions included More than 500 Amnesty members a thorough and passionate debate on the attended the AGM at the East Midlands human rights of sex workers. A proposal Conference Centre in Nottingham on for Amnesty International UK to review 8-9 April. The resolutions and voting I WELCOME its policy on the subject was defeated figures are on the website. PROTECTING REFUGEES’ RIGHTS overwhelmingly. www.amnesty.org.uk/agm See page 7 EDITORIAL NOTICEBOARD

It is strange how coincidence sometimes THE MARSH AWARDS FOR connects us up with disturbing incidents. HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISM 2017 When Peter Benenson, the splendid Three enterprising Amnesty groups have founder of our movement, died in 2005, each won £500 to help them implement a deeply moving memorial meeting was their ideas to inspire activism and raise organised in St Martins in the Fields. A awareness of human rights in their large congregation of Amnesty supporters communities. The winners, announced at and human rights activists assembled on our AGM in April, are: the church’s hard wooden pews where Peter • Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch had first dreamed up the idea of Amnesty group, who plan to use a Love is a Human International back in 1961. Right selfie frame to involve members of It was the fateful morning of 7 July 2005. the public in spreading a human rights At that moment four men were exploding message on social media. ‘As well as bombs on the Underground taking our own photos, the main aim between Aldgate and Liverpool Street, would be to get people within the frame Russell Square and King’s Cross, Edgware and then photographed on their own Road and Paddington and on a double phones or cameras,’ the group said. decker bus in Tavistock Square, killing over • Clyst Vale youth group, who want to 50 people and injuring 700. The city was expand their human rights education in total lockdown. programme with local primary schools. On 16 June last year I was giving an After last year’s successful education Amnesty talk to the pupils of Wapping activities with Year 7 primary school High School near my home in the East pupils, they now plan to invite Year 5 End of London. At that very moment, as NEW: I WELCOME and 6 pupils to Clyst Vale college for a I was talking about rights and justice, EXHIBITION PACK day of creative activities on human rights a neo Nazi was attacking, stabbing and Passers-by were stopped in their tracks by themes. This will be followed up in the shooting dead Jo Cox, the Labour MP and Amnesty and Magnum’s compelling photo primary schools with more learning about dauntless campaigner for a better world, in exhibition I Welcome when it was first human rights and a competition. her constituency in West Yorkshire. Jo lived displayed outside on London’s Southbank • Royal Holloway University student group, in Wapping. Her children go to the same in December. The powerful images tell the who plan to raise funds for Amnesty and school as my grandson. story of refugees, past and present. We promote the I Welcome campaign by Yesterday, on 22 March, it was freezing have now produced a portable and smaller offering a post-exam relaxation activity to cold. In the driving rain Amnesty activists scale exhibition for supporters to show in their fellow students. After the exams and organised a protest and commemoration local venues. before the end of term, the group will sell in Parliament Square, a few yards from For more info and additional materials, picnic boxes packed with edible goodies the House of Commons. We dressed in see page 14. and information about the refugee crisis. funereal black, held wreaths of white roses and gathered round a giant memorial ‘gravestone’ in memory of the thousands of Yemeni men, women and children killed in Guide booklet missing? the past two years by British-made cluster Owing to an error at the printing firm, some copies of the bombs, carried in British-made jet planes I Welcome exhibition pack were sent out without the 12-page and dropped on Yemeni schools, hospitals guide to putting on an exhibition. and other targets by the Saudi Airforce. Kate Allen made a powerful speech to a If the guide is missing from your pack, please contact us crowd of journalists and film crews. and we’ll send you a copy. Call 020 7033 1777 or email Precisely one hour later, 100 yards from [email protected] the spot where we had gathered, ‘Khalid Masood’ drove a car into a crowd of tourists on Westminster bridge and stabbed to death a police officer on duty outside LISTEN HEAR Parliament. A new series of our In Their Own Words podcast is out A sinister pattern of gloom and doom now. It features released prisoner Albert Woodfox; Khadija foretold? No, just coincidence. A jarring Ismayilova, a journalist in Azerbaijan; Steve Kelly, who shock close to home. But in Amnesty we became a human rights activist after his brother was know that in the darkest times the best of tragically killed in the Hillsborough disaster; and Atena humanity shines through. We know which Farghadani, women’s rights activist in Iran. side we’re on, and what to do next. Spring Listen to and share their stories at is in the air. Everything’s coming up roses. www.amnesty.org.uk/in-their-own-words-podcast Dan Jones, 23 March 2017

2 RALLIES AGAINST THE TRAVEL BAN

Thousands of people joined protests across the UK against the US President’s travel ban – and Amnesty groups were there in force

London, January 2017 © Marie-Anne Ventoura

On 30 January President Donald Trump Richard Kotter from the Newcastle group centre to oppose Trump’s ban. And the signed an order banning nationals from addressed around 2,000 protestors in the York City group joined a rally carrying seven predominantly Muslim countries city alongside two city councillors. Katie banners and placards. from entering the USA and suspended the Condon, from Durham University’s group, There were also protests in Glasgow, country’s refugee resettlement programme. was there: ‘It made me feel good to vent Dundee, St Andrews, Edinburgh, Cardiff, The response was immediate. Thousands my anger and to see that there are a lot of Belfast, Aberystwyth, Sheffield, , of people, including Amnesty groups and people who felt the same way.’ , Gloucester, Leeds, Liverpool, supporters, joined protests around the globe. Members of the Manchester group joined Leicester, among others. Many received The organisers of the London rally around 3,000 people gathered in the city extensive media coverage. estimated that more than 30,000 people demonstrated at Westminster with signs saying ‘No to racism, No to Trump’, ‘No Hate, No Fear, Refugees Welcome Here’, and ‘Dump Trump’. Ahead of the protest, Amnesty’s Kate Allen blasted the ban as ‘appalling’ and said: ‘Theresa May has shown an appalling lack of leadership by failing to condemn the move’. Liesbeth ten Ham from the Cambridge City group told over 1,000 protesters it was time to ‘campaign hard’ against the ban at a rally in Cambridge. ‘We’re here to make our voices heard – our government and elected MPs should stand up for human rights for all.’ Manchester Liesbeth ten Ham, Cambridge City

3 WRITE FOR RIGHTS

For the 14th year, Write for Rights has grown again, with over 4 million messages and appeals sent to support individuals and communities at risk – 126,114 of those were from the UK

Helping to launch the campaign were in Iran, was the focus with messages of plate, cake and letter from Kate Allen to activists from universities across support written for her husband Richard Gunnel Ingham, who has worked for the the country at the annual Student Ratcliffe. These will be compiled into a group for 35 years. The event was covered Conference in November. A photo action book and sent to him. by the local media. was taken for students Bayram and The group’s annual The Glossop group spent an ‘enjoyable and Giyas in Azerbaijan. From then on, more letter-writing day saw 400 messages of inspiring four hours’ at their annual Write for student groups than ever ordered Write hope written and £180 raised. Supporters, Rights craft fair on 26 November. Over £500 for Rights packs, and action cards had to including many children, made beautiful was raised from soup and cake sales. be reprinted multiple times. origami and drawings while enjoying live The Chelmsford group marked Human On 19 November, the Blackburn and music, tea and cake. MP, Rights Day by taking over the Ideas Hub Darwen group’s regular stall at Trinity MP and the Mayor, Councillor café. Delighted with the response, the United Reformed Church was a success, Pete West, took part. group collected 60 cards, along with despite the cold weather. It was part of the The Haslemere group celebrated turning postcards giving a warm welcome to newly- Christmas market with Santa’s grotto. The 40 at their annual Write for Rights lunch. arrived refugees here in the UK. Nearly 50 group gained signatures of support and Guests included Mayor Sahran Abeysundara letters were added to the pile at the group’s raised awareness of Write for Rights. and friends from the Guildford group. monthly meeting in December. On 10 December, the Blackheath and Nearly 250 cards and appeal letters were The Belfast group held their annual letter- Greenwich group hosted a Human Rights signed. The Mayor gave a passionate writing event at the Human Rights Festival Day event. Members Guy Ottewell and speech focusing on the important work on 10 December. Sarah Newton MP visited Tilly Lavenas opened their home near the done by the group and how Amnesty had the Truro and Falmouth group’s stall on 26 Cutty Sark for tea and cake. Over 100 come to the support of his own Sri Lankan November. And the Wolverhampton group action cards were signed and £200 raised. charity Equal Ground when it found itself in wrote letters and cards. Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, imprisoned difficulties. He presented a commemoration ‘The letter-writing events are helpful

Student conference © Marie-Anne Ventoura Blackheath and Greenwich Brighton and Hove

Haslemere Glossop Chelmsford

Chelmsford Belfast Truro and Falmouth

4 for awareness-raising locally,’ said the Patrick Brown and Colin McGrath MLA away for sending a joke text message, and Minehead group. On 9 December, the joined the Mid-Down group letter-writing British-Iranian mother and charity worker Mayor Jean Parbrook and members of session where 150 cards and letters were Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe. A petition was the public signed 60 letters and cards. A signed. A short film showed the plight also signed for photo journalist Shawkan, separate letter-writing afternoon produced of the indigenous peoples of the Peace detained in Egypt because of his work. another 65 letters. A lovely Amnesty River Valley, Canada, whose lives and The Manchester group held Write for Christmas tree highlighted six cases. land are illegally threatened by flooding Rights stalls in Chorlton city centre, A party was held in Crouch End by the for the Site C dam. Birchfields Community Centre, and St Hornsey and Wood Green group: 154 cards The York City group ran a busy stall in Andrews, Dearnley. Overall 160 cards and and letters were written by participants the city centre on 10 December generating 35 appeal letters were written. In addition, aged from nine to 90. 96 cards. Rachael Maskell MP took part as members wrote cards at the November For the third year running, Benfield did Mayor Dave Taylor. Showing his support regular letter-writing session and December School youth group in Newcastle got for Máxima Acuña – a subsistence farmer group meeting. The Whalley Range Peace behind the campaign with usual vigour: attacked for standing up to intimidation and Justice group held their 14th Write for assemblies focused on human rights and and threats of forced eviction by a copper Rights event, where a ‘mind-boggling’ 759 Amnesty. Members of the Newcastle mining company – he wrote: ‘People all solidarity cards and 101 appeal letters group spoke about what they do in their over the world are aware of your story and were sent. meetings and their long-term involvement are angry that mining companies threaten The Gloucestershire group’s Amnesty in the Peace Community of San José, the people.’ tree drew attention to all 12 campaign Colombia. Students sent in creative Members of the public signed cards for cases. Made from willow by member messages of support, including beautiful three cases at the Brighstone Christmas Tree Norah Kennedy, the tree was on display coloured-in doves. Festival. The Isle of Wight group focused on at St Laurence Church Christmas tree Local MP Margaret Richie, Councillor Cameroon student Fomusoh Ivo Feh, locked festival, Stroud.

Hornsey and Wood Green Minehead Benfield School

Mid-Down York City

Isle of Wight Manchester Gloucestershire

5 WRITE FOR RIGHTS

The North Norfolk group decorated an more than 100 schools held mass letter- Cameroon where Fomusoh Ivo Feh and his Amnesty tree at the Sheringham Christmas writing marathons. friends are locked up for sending a joke tree festival in St Andrew’s Methodist Leyton 6th Form printed their own London text: all the young men stated that Write church. The tree was strewn with images of postcards for Nazanin who misses London. for Rights has given them courage. all campaign cases, and action cards were The Maidstone group events saw 90 More than 150,000 cards were hand- left next to it. cards signed. Helen Grant MP supported delivered to land rights defender Máxima The Bristol group decorated a tree for their work. The Invicta School youth group Acuña. At the emotional meeting, the TreeFest at St Mary Redcliffe Church, one of held their own activities, encouraged by Peruvian Minister of Justice and Human the city’s oldest churches, and sent a total the local group, and 319 cards and letters Rights gave a commitment to protect of 65 cards. Also on display was a tapestry were signed. Máxima and her family. Máxima said: ‘I assembled by members of the South Region. want to thank you with all my heart for the Each panel represents one of the articles of NEW SOLIDARITY WEBSITE number of letters you have sent me, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In November, we launched a new Write give me courage to continue fighting… On 3 December, the Perth group for Rights website with a message from I ask you to continue helping me seek invited people to visit Birnam Institute to Richard Ratcliffe, husband of imprisoned justice so that I can live in peace and sign cards for six of the 12 cases – over charity worker Nazanin. Overnight, more tranquillity.’ Watch on YouTube (search 100 messages offering hope and support than 13,000 people sent messages using ‘Máxima receives letters’). were signed. this platform. Overall, 80,000 messages In Egypt, Shawkan’s brother, said the The Colywn Bay group held a letter-writing were sent. We printed them all out and sent solidarity letters written for Shawkan session in St Asaph Cathedral at the Winter them to the relevant people. were incredibly meaningful and impactful Fayre. for both Shawkan and his family. Their Hundreds of letters and cards were sent in THANK YOU priority remains his freedom – so the from universities all over the country. And Amnesty campaigners visited the prison in campaign continues.

Bristol

North Norfolk Perth Bristol − South Region

Maidstone Máxima Acuña Máxima Acuña

6 I WELCOME

Responding to the refugee crisis

On 30 March, a 240-metre paper chain the Kendal group ran a stall providing info the School of Sciences about the refugee made by activists lined the road between on I Welcome and #againsthate campaigns. crisis. Amnesty trainer Richard Kotter and the and the Home The Guildford group also focused on the Krisztina Saroy, country coordinator for West Office to support reuniting child refugees with refugee crisis and the local response to it. and Central Africa, outlined the their families in the UK. The chain featured Diane Peters, the Diocesan refugee support I Welcome campaign, and why the UK cut out figures of adults and children. A adviser for Guildford, gave a talk Refugees must offer a lifeline to more Syrian refugees. 31,000-strong petition was delivered to – how much do we care? at the group’s In November, the Mid-Down group and both government departments with the help October meeting. She spoke movingly of Shimna Integrated College youth group of Juliet Stevenson, Thangam Debbonaire her visits to the camps in Calais and her joined forces at the Newcastle Supports MP (chair of the parliamentary group on work with local councils to find housing for Syria fundraising event. At a stall, visitors refugees), ‘Peanut’ from the Kaiser Chiefs Syrian refugees. used the 360-degree virtual reality goggles and Student Action for Refugees. The UK is Matthew Pennycook MP joined the which capture scenes after barrel bombing one of only two European countries (along Blackheath and Greenwich group meeting attacks in civilian areas. Information was with Denmark) who deny refugee children to discuss refugees and show support to handed out and ‘Stand with Refugees’ the right to apply for their family members free Nazanin, the British-Iranian charity petition signatures collected. to join them. ‘I hope the government will worker and prisoner of conscience. On 25 October, the Shoreham and listen and overturn this cruel policy,’ wrote On 18 February, the Brighton and Hove Worthing group’s evening about refugees Juliet Stevenson in i-News. The stunt was group supported the thousands of refugees included a talk by Kate Allen and a also covered by the Guardian and Time Out. freezing to death in Greece. Over 113 screening of This is Exile, a documentary In Kendal, the newly-formed More in petition signatures collected called on the produced by Save the Children about Common group marked the United Nations European Union to urgently move them into Syrian child refugees. Around 40 people Day against racism and xenophobia with a other European countries. signed a pledge saying ‘Adur and Worthing touching display in the town centre. The During Enhancement Week at the London stands with refugees.’ Tim Loughton MP public were encouraged to write welcoming Metropolitan University in March, two signed the pledge the week before. It was messages to string along the Birdcage and Amnesty speakers spoke to students in covered by local press.

After contacting Marcus Fysh MP about the Syrian refugee crisis and family reunification, theTaunton group received a reply. In it, the MP said he had been assured that the government is working with French, Greek and Italian authorities to speed up existing family reunification process or implement new processes for Kendal London Metropolitan University unaccompanied children.

Guildford Shimna Integrated College Shoreham and Worthing

Blackheath and Greenwich Paper chain demo © Peanut/Kaiser Chiefs

7 NEWS FROM THE GROUPS

STANDING AGAINST HATE freedom of expression. The walk’s success WHERE ARE OUR RIGHTS? In September, the Bristol group held a stall in engaging the public has encouraged To reflect on Human Rights Day and what at the St James Priory Fair. Signatures were the group to make it an annual event. more needs to be done, Mayor Sahran collected for the Against Hate campaign Continuing this work, the group invited Abeysundara challenged the Haslemere and information on standing up to hate barrister Martha Walsh to their October group to hold a meeting outside the town crimes was handed out to passers-by. meeting to talk about why the UK should hall. There, he made an impassioned The Diss group helped highlight the issue keep the Human Rights Act. speech about the need for people to work by raising a petition to ensure it became Human rights lawyer Johana Rocha for the rights of the vulnerable. The group an item for discussion at a South Norfolk Gomez from Colombia spoke at York City planted banners welcoming refugees on the council meeting. Group secretary Jackie group’s December monthly meeting. She grass for passing motorists to see. Gooch presented the petition, outlining co-founded Tierra Digna, a Colombian NGO, The Taunton group donated books its purpose: ‘The council need to be and explained how and why they defend on human rights to the local library to proactive in ensuring that all of our diverse the rights of communities adversely make a ‘Human Rights Day’ display. population are treated with respect and affected by extractive industries including It included Amnesty’s latest children’s understanding. How does the council plan mining and fracking. book Dreams of Freedom. Meanwhile, 40 to do this?’ On 10 January, the Southampton City people, including Rebecca Long Bailey group and the University of Southampton MP and Salford Councillor Lisa Stone, HUMAN RIGHTS ACT presented the sixth annual Human Rights attended a candlelight vigil organised by In September, the Horsham group walked Lecture. More than 400 people listened the Manchester group and Salford Council. for human rights through the town to Philippe Sands QC’s thoughtful It featured songs, readings and poems by highlighting places relating to the Human and personal journey into the legal local refugees. Rights Act. Stops included the Peace Tree, and philosophical background to the the spot where hangings used to take place Nuremberg trial and the origin of the AFRAID OF THE DARK and the Friends Meeting House. The walk terms ‘crimes against humanity’ and In October, the Abbey School in Reading, ended at the offices of the West Sussex ‘genocide’. It was particularly poignant to turned off their lights for a day to highlight County Times, whose staff support the see those words in the handwriting of two the plight of civilians in Syria. The youth group’s campaign to free journalist Eskinder lawyers who first proposed them. Nearly group held an assembly in the dark to Nega, imprisoned in Ethiopia for calling for £185 was raised. explain that 83 per cent of lights have gone

Human rights lawyer Johana Rocha Gomez in York Taunton

Bristol

Horsham Philippe Sands QC − Southampton Abbey School, Reading

8 out in Syria since the conflict began due petition was signed calling on the North group’s stall celebrated the day by to damage of the electricity grid and the Korean government to allow people internet supporting young women in Burkina Faso. vast numbers of people who have fled the access and more freedom to communicate More than 90 pieces of bunting were country or been killed. with the outside world. completed for the women who live as Jihyun spoke passionately to the Colwyn refugees after fleeing forced marriages. TRUTH ABOUT GIULIO Bay group in November. Her determination It will be sent to them to lift their spirits. Anne Marcus, country coordinator for Egypt, to improve human rights in her country and About 80 petition signatures were also talked to the Ipswich group about human her work with fellow North Korean refugees collected for three imprisoned human rights rights and case work. Action was taken for in the UK left the group inspired and defenders: Narges Mohammadi from Iran, Giulio Regeni, the Cambridge University committed to their campaigning cause. Eren Keskin from Turkey and British-Iranian student abducted and tortured to death On 16 March, 50 people were similarly Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe. while studying in Cairo. In February, a joint moved by Jihyun’s story at a talk organised meeting with Amnesty, Cambridge University by the Salisbury group. The group made their SYMBOLS OF SOLIDARITY and Egypt Solidarity Initiative discussed first video to raise concerns about the gross A 10-foot high community quilt created how Giulio’s murder is part of a much wider abuse of human rights in North Korea with by the York City group is on display at the picture of human rights abuses by the the help of Romsey and Mid Gloucestershire Peace Museum, Bradford, as part of its Egyptian security forces. Speaker Liesbeth group members. It featured Fiona Bruce MP, textile exhibition Challenging the Fabric ten Ham, of the Cambridge City group, co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary group, of Society. The quilt was made in 2011 said hundreds of other cases of enforced who believes the human rights situation in to mark the 50th anniversary of Amnesty. disappearance and torture have been North Korea is by far the worst in the world. Thirty local groups and societies designed recorded in Egypt in the last year alone. Watch at salisburyai.com/2016/11/11/north- a square based around the Chinese proverb korean-video/ used by Amnesty founder Peter Benenson: FAR FROM BEING SILENT ‘It is better to light a candle than to curse In October, the York City group hosted INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY the darkness.’ Jihyun Park, a defector from North Korea On 8 March, the York City group held On 30 November, at a public event resettled in Manchester. An audience of an AmnesTea to celebrate brave and hosted by the Mayor of Suchitoto, El over 75 people listened wide-eyed as she courageous women in International Salvador, Amnesty donated a three-metre recounted her harrowing escape story. A Women’s Week. Meanwhile the Minehead sculpture Global Solidarity for the liberty of

Jihyun Park in York

Ipswich Manchester

North Korea film by the Salisbury group

Minehead York Manchester

9 NEWS FROM THE GROUPS

Las 17. It represents global solidarity with and for the other activists imprisoned CREATIVE CHRISTMAS women who are imprisoned due to obstetric after the unfair ‘UAE 94’ mass trial. The Fylde Coast group entered Blackpool’s complications. Thousands of colourful Group members carried banners and Winter Gardens’ Christmas Tree Festival ribbons sent by activists were placed in collected petition signatures calling for with an unusual but stand-out tree. It was the sculpture. This was the final action of their release. cleverly constructed by member Bobby the My Body My Rights campaign. At the Black out of cardboard boxes, loo rolls and event, local NGOs and the municipality of SPREADING KNOWLEDGE Amnesty literature. Winter Gardens TV filmed Suchitoto thanked Amnesty for its support The Colwyn Bay group resumed their construction and interviewed exhibitors. to decriminalise abortion and to free school work. Two members addressed 120 Watch the film for Amnesty’s contribution imprisoned women. local junior school children at a human amnesty.org.uk/groups/fylde-coast rights assembly and workshop. Secondary HERE WE RUN school talks are planned. A group member GOOD NEWS The Manchester group continued work for put Amnesty’s education team in contact Thank you to David Chesters who published lawyer Mohammed al-Roken, jailed for 10 with the Welsh Education department Embracing Change, a book of short stories, years in 2013 in the United Arab Emirates to enable Amnesty to be included as an with all royalties donated to Amnesty. It (UAE). A stall at the Darwin Day organised option in the new Welsh Baccalaurete. earned a photo and interview in the local by Greater Manchester Humanists This will come into force this year. paper. A passionate member of the Shoreham publicised his plight. In collaboration with In December, the Salisbury group and Worthing group, David also volunteers the International Campaign for Freedom in continued its successful liaison with in the Brighton Amnesty bookshop. And in the UAE, three runners, including group Salisbury Arts Centre by showing award- November Albert Woodfox met members of member Henrike Greuel, tackled the winning film Mustang, exploring women’s the Southampton group – among the many Manchester half marathon on his behalf, rights in Turkey. Action cards were signed. who campaigned for his release.

Albert Woodfox and the Southampton group

Fylde Coast Manchester

10 A CAMPAIGNING YEAR FOR BUXTON GROUP

From lobbying the Lao authorities to standing up for refugees, Janet Miller of the Buxton group looks back at an eventful year

I joined the Buxton group around 1990, peace doves, asked people to put personal but I’ve been an Amnesty member for messages on them, and sent them to the longer. We meet every month. February is Lao embassy. We’ve just heard that the our AGM and planning meeting, and we last of the students has been released, come up with actions and events. We try although there’s been no independent to have plenty of variety. corroboration… watch this space. Our focus last year was refugees. For The rise in hate crime after the EU the Buxton Spring Fair campaign stall we referendum was something we reacted to. wanted something bright to involve children. We – and other Derbyshire groups – wrote Our then secretary produced a wonderful, to our local councils, calling their attention big drawing of a sea of mud with lots of to this huge spike in hate crimes and toys lying around. It was inspired by the asking what they were going to do about it. demolitions at the Calais camp and the Derbyshire County Council responded, and hundreds of children that had gone missing. passed a resolution in December deploring NEW AMNESTY GROUP At the fair, and at our stalls throughout the hate crimes. That was a lovely success. A new group has re-formed in summer, we asked people to colour the Our Write for Rights stall in December was Huddersfield. Group secretary Paul drawing in. At the end we had a gorgeous also great. We made origami butterflies for Cooney told us: ‘There was an active ‘Find the lost children’ poster, which we Fomusoh Ivo Feh in Cameroon and sent a group in the past but key members sent to President Hollande, and a petition to photo petition to Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe relocated. In November, two people Greece against returning refugees to Turkey. in Iran. approached me about setting it up We adopted five Lao students, all prisoners I keep a diary of everything we do as a again. We contacted our regional rep, of conscience, in 2001, and have sent a group. At the end of the year we sit down to and advertised a public meeting on card to each of them every month and held a look over it. It’s always a feeling of: ‘Look Facebook to establish interest. Eighteen poignant anniversary event every October to how much we’ve done!’ It’s motivational as people attended, and within a week we mark their arrest. Last year we made origami much as anything else. had 49 supporters who wanted to make the group work.’ The group used their first meeting to focus on the Write for Rights campaign – covered in the local paper. Now work begins on the refugee crisis, human rights in Turkey and dispelling efforts to discredit the Human Rights Act (HRA). ‘We are fortunate to have an Amnesty trainer in our group who facilitated a workshop about the HRA at our January meeting. We also have a member from Turkey who has already led a discussion Buxton on what we can do to help there too.’

‘Lost children’ poster

Write for Rights stall I Welcome Huddersfield

11 FUNDRAISING £152,000 Local groups

£38,000 Youth groups and schools

£15,000 Student groups and universities

Amnesty groups raised £205,000 for human rights in 2016

Last year groups across the UK stood up for Salisbury Cathedral held its annual member knitted the slogan ‘The Human human rights by organising fundraising events Evensong in aid of Amnesty. The beautiful Rights Act, don’t let it unravel.’ Thanks in aid of Amnesty. In total, groups raised service ended with a procession to the to talented buskers and determined £205,000. £45,000 of this was donated Trinity Chapel, home to the Amnesty candle collectors, their stall proved a great to our appeal to help end female genital and prisoner of conscience window. success with Saturday shoppers. mutilation and early and forced marriage in The University of Glasgow group hosted Two street collections held by the Colwyn West Africa – and will be matched by the UK a Jamnesty, Secret Policeman’s Ball and Bay group outside a busy supermarket government’s Department for International bingo night. The University of Essex group’s totalled £305. Several London based Development. Your support makes a real Jamnesty focused awareness on albinism. groups sang carols, raising £4,406. The difference to people facing human rights And the University of Nottingham group’s Lambeth group sang outside Brixton tube abuses. Thank you. Jamnesty featured live music. Thanks to a station, collecting £828. If any supporters would like to raise Jamnesty, live music event, a bake sale and A student from Bedford Modern School funds for Amnesty or need advice on how a sponsored head shave, the Huntingdon held a collection after their production of to arrange Jamnesty or AmnesTea events, School group raised £334.50. Jesus Christ Superstar, raising £424.95. email [email protected] In January, the Hull group’s classical A bake sale and Give it Up event organised concert Trio Volant proved a special by the Central Foundation Girls’ School CONCERTS AND JAMNESTYS occasion. It featured works by Mozart, raised over £400. Students at Henley In October, the Colwyn Bay group Rossini and Centelobe, as well as a College were silent for the day to highlight staged their first heavy rock gig. It was piece composed by Michael Betteridge freedom of expression, and raised £106. a well-deserved sell-out, raising an inspired by the poem ‘Prisoner’ from Small impressive £900. Candles, an anthology of poetry published AND FINALLY… The Richmond and Twickenham group’s by the group. The latest book sale by the Blackheath first Band Night in January was a ‘terrific and Greenwich group raised £4,790 in success’ thanks to local bands The Bitter COLLECTIONS November – 198 cards for our Write for Springs, Asbo Derek and We Happy Few. The Bognor Regis, Chichester and District Rights cases were also signed. See page 4 night included a raffle and photo petition for group’s collection raised £614 for for more. And congratulations to the West imprisoned journalist Shawkan, which was Amnesty. To attract donors, live music Cumbria group members who bravely took sent to the Egyptian authorities just before played including a Morris band, flute part in a sponsored swimathon, raising his trial. The event raised £1,706. group and a bagpiper. In addition, a group over £300.

Richmond and Twickenham Blackheath and Greenwich West Cumbria

Hull

Bognor Regis, Chichester and District Bognor Regis, Chichester and District Henley College

12 REGIONAL CONFERENCES

Guest speakers, campaign updates, discussion and debate, meeting members, strengthening aims

The Northern Ireland regional conference Turkey, China, North Africa and South at Queen’s University Belfast student America. Members took action outside union focused on the I Welcome campaign. Exeter Cathedral – 43 pairs of shoes laid Speakers included Makhosi Sigabade of out highlighted the disappearance of 43 Housing 4 All and Liz Griffiths, of Law Mexican students in 2014. ‘A SENSE OF US ALL COMING Centre NI, who announced 87 Syrian The South East regional conference took TOGETHER – AS AMNESTY, refugees had just arrived in Northern Ireland place on 5 March in Guildford. Krisztina AS A COMMUNITY’ under the Syrian Vulnerable Person’s Saroy, country coordinator for West Africa, The North West regional conference Resettlement programme. This brings the spoke about the horrors of Boko Haram took place in Liverpool on 12 total to 400 resettled in Northern Ireland. and what is being done about it. Delegates November, themed around modern Local theatre company Macha Productions were asked to create a mini ‘good news’ slavery. An audience of 100 heard performed Asylum, based on real-life poster about a prisoner released after an Alex Batch, the co-director of the interviews. Delegates heard about work on Amnesty campaign – the picture below Centre for the Study of International abortion access and marriage equality, and shows the banner created out of them. Slavery, and Annette Mawdsley, of the forthcoming human rights defenders There were productive brainstorms on Liverpool’s Stop the Traffik, give campaign. The day ended with Professor revitalising local groups, and talks about chilling context to the scale of human Colin Harvey, of Queen’s University Belfast refugees and the arms trade. There was trafficking. DC Colin Ward from the law school, on the prospects for human also a review of the Board of Amnesty by Greater Manchester Police’s Modern rights given the current political climate. its current chair Ruth Breddal. Slavery Unit, said that nearly the full On the same day, the South West regional The Yorkshire regional conference was range of modern slavery abuses exist conference in Exeter opened with Ethiopian held at Sheffield University on 18 March. in that area, from pop-up brothels to journalist Getachew Simie Obse. She spoke Kate Allen, Amnesty UK director, outlined domestic servitude. about the important role of community the I Welcome campaign. Laura Trevelyan, An uplifting speech by Ruth Breddal, radio educating to improve children’s of Amnesty UK, spoke about the Human chair of Amnesty UK’s board, followed. rights, gender equality and environmental Rights Act, urging continued campaigning for She inspired us by emphasising that protection, and how this is being curtailed its retention. After a photo action in support letter-writing does work. Then we were by government legislation. There is now of refugees and Against Hate, delegates taken on a harrowing street action, no internet connection in Ethiopia. The discussed how to become more active in organised by Liverpool’s Institute for Children’s Human Rights Network talked communities and the benefits of collaborating Performing Arts. Characters wearing about how to support their work. There with other networks. The day ended with a ‘Authority’ signs shouted and frog- were workshops on human rights in moving reading of two asylum monologues. marched us into the city where, roped together, we watched a drama about slavery in the past and today. Three workshops followed on the death penalty, Syria 360 and advocacy. There was a sense of us coming together not just as Amnesty but as a community. With a lot of bad news recently, people felt the conference to be a positive call for action. Sameena Matthiessen, North West regional representative

Northern Ireland regional conference © John Hobson South West regional conference

South East regional conference Yorkshire regional conference

13 EVENTS RESOURCES

Send upcoming events info to the Community Organising Unit at [email protected] by 5 October to appear in the Winter 2017 issue.

5 MAY Gala night of musical Into the 7 JULY I WELCOME ELMSWORTH Woods set in a refugee camp. ST ASAPH REFUGEE CAMPAIGN MATERIALS Plant and book sale Proceeds to Amnesty. Refugee concert Contact To book 01789 207100, 6pm-9.30pm, St Asaph Refugees Community Action Pack [email protected] stratfordartshouse.co.uk Cathedral, St Asaph LL17 0RD, How to get your community free (donations welcome) behind this campaign 13 MAY 1 JUNE Readings, music, exhibitions Product code: REF16/001 READING BRIGHTON and speakers. Includes the Quiz night Talk Amnesty and Magnum 7pm-11pm, RISC, 8pm, Community Base, I Welcome exhibition. Reading RG1 4PS, £12 Queen’s Road, Brighton Organised by Colwyn Bay and (includes fish and chip supper) Detention without trial and control Eirias Park youth group. Contact Peter Howe, orders – powerful testimony by local To reserve a seat, Maggie Towse, [email protected] speakers with personal experience. 01492514870 Contact 01273 607110, 13 MAY [email protected] 5 AUGUST PRESTON BRIGHTON Refugees Welcome stickers Media training course 17 JUNE Pride Parade (15 stickers per sheet) 10am-4pm, Cotton Court Business CHICHESTER Stall and parade – all welcome. Product code: REF16/002 Centre, Cotton Court, Church Concert More info 01273 607110, Street, Preston PR1 3BY, £6 7.30pm, Christ Church, Old Market brightonandhoveai@googlemail. (towards lunch and refreshments) Avenue, Southgate, Chichester, com How to get the media to publicise £12.50 (under 16s free) group events and attract new The Aria and Song for Amnesty – 23 SEPTEMBER members. Includes press release an afternoon of beautiful music. CHELMSFORD writing and interviewing. Contact East Anglia Regional Conference To book www.eventbrite.co.uk [email protected] 10am-4pm, Trinity Methodist Contact Colin Taylor, Church, Rainsford Road, 0748 415 7424, 20 JUNE Chelmsford CM1 2XB [email protected] CRAWLEY Focus on protecting human Theatre rights defenders. NOW-13 MAY 7.30pm-9pm, The Hawth, Hawth Contact Sarah Mattacks, Refugees Welcome Pledge poster MINEHEAD Avenue, Crawley RH10 6YZ, £4 [email protected] Product code: REF16/004 Art exhibition Asylum Monologues, an account of 9am-5pm, Toucan Café, 3 The the UK’s asylum system in the words WELCOME CINEMA AND Parade, Minehead TA24 5NL, free. of people who have experienced it. KITCHEN Art on the theme of Human Rights A Horsham group event. Regular evenings of food, film are for Everyone. Contact Jackie Fry, 01293 and Q&A panel discussion set Contact Cherry Bird, 01984 641052 553636. Book at The Hawth Box up by ex-volunteers at the Calais Office 01293 553636 camp. Free for refugees and 18 MAY asylum seekers, tickets start at LONDON 26 JUNE £17.50 for everyone else. Comedy LONDON Next event, 7.30pm, Human Rights Action Theatre www.welcomecinema.org Centre, 26 New Inn Yard, London 7pm, Royal Albert Hall, £5-£25 EC2A 3EA, £14.50 Amnesty and Chickenshed Theatre SAVE THE DATE Camouflage, a dark comedy present a one-off performance with Will you be joining your local marking the 50th anniversary of the 600 children inspired by Amnesty’s Pride 2017? For info on Pride Israeli military occupation in Gaza, children’s book Dreams of Freedom. events www.pinkuk.com. Jerusalem and the West Bank- Book at Box Office 020 7589 Download a Pride Guide for local Palestine. 8212, www.royalalberthall.com activists at www.amnesty.org.uk/ To book www.brownpapertickets. key-resources-local-groups I Welcome exhibition placards com/event/2917455 1-5 JULY Product code: REF16/006 Refugee Tales walk WOMAD FESTIVAL 23 MAY 9.30am, Runnymede The Reading group is looking for STRATFORD-UPON-AVON Walk on paths taken by travellers stall volunteers, 28-30 July. You Theatre over the centuries, from will need to buy your own ticket. 7.30pm, Stratford Arts House, Runnymede to Westminster. Five Contact Sue Bingham 14 Rother Street, Stratford-Upon- days or join along the way. [email protected] Avon CV37 6LU, £16 More info www.refugeetales.org www.womad.co.uk

14 CONTACT US

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

HUMAN RIGHTS ACT AGAINST HATE LOCAL, YOUTH AND STUDENT GROUP ENQUIRIES 020 7033 1777 Email [email protected]

FUNDRAISING ENQUIRIES 020 7033 1650 Email [email protected] HRA badges Against hate stickers Product code: HRA004 (pink) (20 stickers per sheet) Amnesty International UK Product code: HRA005 (blue) Product code: AH001 The Human Rights Action Centre 17-25 New Inn Yard London EC2A 3EA Telephone 020 7033 1500 Facsimile 020 7033 1503 Textphone 020 7033 1664

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL www.amnesty.org.uk

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL GROUPS NEWS Against hate placards EDITORIAL TEAM Double-sided (pink and green) Dan Jones, Farshid Talaghani, Product code: AH002 Richard Glynn and Anne Montague DESIGN HRA poster Amnesty International UK Product code: HRA003 Copy deadline for next issue 5 October 2017

I Welcome exhibition pack Includes 30 exhibition panels TELL US IF YOU HAVE (A3 size) including images and CHANGED information and a 12-page guide Against hate badges It is vital that you let us know to staging your own I Welcome Product code: AH003 (yellow/pink) about any changes to your group’s exhibition HRA stickers Product code: AH004 (yellow/green) office holders, such as Secretary, Product code: REF16/005 (20 stickers per sheet) President, Campaign Coordinators Product code: HRA006 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 the outgoing person. Please send details to Community Organising Team at [email protected] HRA placards I Welcome exhibition poster Product code: HRA009 IF YOU’RE SENDING IN PHOTOS To advertise your event Photos should be high-resolution Product code: REF16/007 jpegs (at least 300KB) and emailed SCOTTISH MATERIALS as an attachment or sent on a CD.

Scotland Human Rights Act leaflet Product code: HRA007

Human Rights placard (card) NEW weatherproof banner Product code: HRA008 2 metres x 85cm, comes in a tube Product code: COU001

15 YOUTH CONFERENCE

On 24 November, Amnesty’s Youth lobbying MPs. ‘Glasgow Girl’ campaigner children to add to a giant paper chain Conference took place. Over 150 youth Amal Azzudin spoke eloquently about her promoting child refugee rights (see page 7). group members from all over the UK own experiences fleeing war in Somalia, The day was rounded off with a talk on the gathered at the Human Rights Action and subsequent activism. At 15, she Against Hate campaign, and how Brexit and Centre for a day master-minded by the helped to rescue a school friend from Donald Trump will affect future activism. Youth Advisory Group. The I Welcome deportation. Empowered, students carried Julie Carter-Owen from Burgate School, campaign was a focus, and stimulating their I Welcome placards through the Hampshire, said: ‘My students loved it workshops included ‘Answering tricky streets for a ‘Open your arms’ photo action and are all fired up to work even harder for questions’, creative campaigning and and made cut out figures of adults and human rights.’

Amal Azzudin

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

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