Thanks to AMG for these updates, if you would prefer to read them as a PDF, you can do so here.
We warmly invite you to attend the next meeting of the Amnesty International Glasgow West Group. Please come and join in our lively and friendly discussions and help us make a positive difference to supporting Human Rights around the world.
This email includes:
- Details of our forthcoming July 2024 meeting;
- Information on current AIUK activities; and
- A note of our local Group's meeting dates for 2024.
July 2024 Glasgow West AI Group Meeting
Thursday 11th July, Woodlands International Methodist Church, 7:30pm
The next Glasgow West Amnesty meeting takes place on Thursday 11th July 2024 at 7.30pm – 9pm in Woodlands International Church, Woodlands Road, Glasgow, G3 6LW.
Further details on Facebook - https://fb.me/e/24A3jSi3e
We would love to see you there!
Our next meeting will include:
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Discussing preparations for the forthcoming Pride event in Glasgow on 20th July.
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A discussion on Human Rights in Myanmar / South East Asia, led by Mal, our local AI Group member who is also an AIUK Volunteer Co-ordinator for Myanmar / SE Asia.
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Considering feedback from our Group's delegates to the recent UK Amnesty annual conference;
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Reviewing the impact and next steps following our Group's collaboration with artist Alexander Dakars at his recent exhibition in Glasgow, including discussion on the artwork he donated to our Group;
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Updates from our local group co-ordinators on their activities; and
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Undertaking letter writing in response to recent Urgent Action alerts from AIUK.
Recent Event - Glasgow Amnesty Group's Collaboration with Artist
Photo: Artist Alexander Dakars, pictured with a selection of Human Rights focused work that he has donated to Amnesty International
The Glasgow West AI Group recently had a very successful collaboration with the artist Alexander Dakars.
Alexander's grandfather was one of the leaders of the Allende Government who was imprisoned following General Pinochet's military coup in 1973. Amnesty campaigned for the release of political prisoners and this helped secure the release of his grandfather and others.
Alexander has raised funding for Amnesty through sales of his artwork.
His latest exhibition took place at the prestigious Glasgow Art Club & Gallery in Glasgow. A special launch event included a musical performance, a speech from Carol of the Glasgow AI Groups and input from the artist himself. Alexander spoke about the influences underpinning his work, including a commitment to Human Rights. Alexander donated a section of his art focusing on Human Rights issues to the Glasgow West Amnesty Group and we will be considering how best to house and showcase this work. Several attendees expressed an interest in joining Amnesty and collection tin raised £130 for our local Group's funds.
Forthcoming Event - Pride March & Rally Glasgow – 20th July 2024
Last year's Glasgow Pride march attracted 50,000 participants. This year, organisers are hoping for an even bigger and better event.
Amnesty members will be participating in this event and we are intending to have a stall at it too.
As well as the colourful march itself, there will be a Music Stage at Glasgow's iconic Barrowland Ballroom, a Community Stage and over 150 stalls and traders.
Festival Park will be the starting point of Glasgow's Pride 2024 March. The route will leave Festival Park and head over the squinty bridge to Broomielaw, up to Argyle Street before heading through the Merchant City and ending at Glasgow Green, a short distance to the Glasgow Barrowlands, which will host the market, mainstage, and community stages.
Further details of the march route, market stalls, main stage, etc via this link.
Updates From AIUK
Write for Rights 2023: Rita Karasartova acquitted!
The charges against the defendants in the “Kempir-Abad case” were politically motivated and based on groundless allegations that they were plotting mass riots. This case has highlighted ongoing issues with fair trials and the suppression of the right to freedom of expression in Kyrgyzstan.
The acquittal of defendants in the “Kempir-Abad case” is an important victory for justice and human rights. The charges against them were politically motivated, the case was marred by inconsistencies and procedural violations, and they endured long months of inhumane treatment including lack of access to adequate medical treatment. In short, these people should never have been charged and put on trial in the first place for the peaceful exercise of their human rights.
Human rights defender Rita Karasartova, *a defendant and Amnesty International Write for Rights 2023 figure, told the organization: "We didn't expect it at all. We were crying from surprise.''*
Age Loud!
Amnesty International has launched Age Loud! Demand a world where human rights last a lifetime, a new campaign calling on all of us to listen to the voices of older people and ensure respect for their fundamental rights.
No matter our age, our human rights are universal. But as we grow older, many of us are pushed into the shadows, ignored and forgotten.
It's time to listen to the voices of older people. Let's speak up and support their calls to end age discrimination now.
Collaborating with Amnesty International national offices and a diverse range of activists, allies and organisations around the world, our campaign will aim to amplify the voices of older people, rewrite the narrative around ageing, and inspire people of all ages to demand an end to age-related discrimination, neglect and abuse.
For more information, please visit our page about our work on older people's rights here.
Support activist fighting for the protection of human rights in older age, join the movement today!
How to support student activists in solidarity camps for Palestine
Students across the world have been setting up protest encampments on campus to show their solidarity with Palestinians, call for a ceasefire and demand their universities divest from companies that may be complicit, such as arms companies. With this powerful show of solidarity, we have sadly seen students be met with repressive responses.
Students including Amnesty International student groups are taking part in these actions across the UK.
If you can support fellow activists, here are some suggested ways to contribute:
Donations Needed:
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Food and snacks
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Blankets, sleeping bags, tents
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Books, games
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Campaign materials: posters, banners, cardboard, pens
Other Ways to Help:
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Donate to GoFundMe campaigns set up by local encampments to purchase resources, supplies, and campaign materials. Search for your nearby encampment's GoFundMe page.
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Follow your local encampment's social media accounts for regular updates, supply needs, and calls for immediate support during protests or actions. Don't underestimate the power of sharing their posts to your own social media!
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If you can support even further and be on standby as arrestee support, we can put you in touch with your respective student group.
The student activists appreciate any support and solidarity you can provide as they continue to advocate for the Palestinian cause on university campuses. Your support can make a meaningful difference in their efforts.
For details of the most recent AIUK Local Groups' Update, click on this link.
Upcoming Dates / Events
Details on the Amnesty Events page.
Updates On Other AIUK Campaigns
For details on Amnesty International priority campaigns, click this link.
2024 Meeting Dates
Amnesty International
Glasgow West Local Group
New Members very welcome!
The Group meets every second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm - 9pm.
The meetings take place at Woodlands Methodist Church, 229 Woodlands Road, G3 6LW
For further information contact mail@glasgowwestamnesty.org.uk
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Thursday 11th January 2024 -
Thursday 8th February 2024 -
Thursday 14th March 2024 -
Thursday 11th April 2024 -
Thursday 9th May 2024 -
Thursday 13th June 2024 -
Thursday 11th July 2024
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Thursday 8th August 2024
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Thursday 12th September 2024
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Thursday 10th October 2024
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Thursday 14th November 2024
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Thursday 12th December 2024
BETTER TO LIGHT A CANDLE THAN CURSE THE DARKNESS
