Thank you to AMG for these updates. If you 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 September 2024 meeting;
• Information on current AIUK activities;
• The minutes from our Group's August 2024 meeting; and
• A note of our local Group's remaining meeting dates for 2024.

September 2024 Glasgow West AI Group Meeting

Thursday 11th September, Woodlands International Methodist Church, 7:30pm

The next Glasgow West Amnesty meeting takes place on Thursday 11th September 2024 at 7.30pm – 9pm in Woodlands International Church, Woodlands Road, Glasgow, G3 6LW.

Further details on Facebook -

We would love to see you there!

Our next meeting will include:

• A discussion on Human Rights in South Korea and North Korea, led by Clara, our local AI Group member who is also an AIUK Volunteer Co-ordinator for South Korea and North Korea;
• Updates from our local group co-ordinators on their activities;
• Discussing feedback from our Group members who attended the recent counter protest event in Glasgow's George Square; and
• Undertaking letter writing in response to recent Urgent Action alerts from AIUK.

AI Glasgow West at the recent Rally in George Square, Glasgow

On Saturday, 7th September, members of our AI Glasgow West Group joined thousands of other counter protestors in George Square. The small number of ‘Pro-UK' protesters was greatly outnumbered by the counter-protestors. Trades Unions, civic society groups and individuals from across the country provided a strong, positive message on issues such as human rights, immigration and tolerance.

View of George Square, Glasgow early in the day as counter protestors vastly outnumbered the small group of ‘Pro-UK' protestors

AIUK Local Updates

The latest updates for Local AI Groups produced by AIUK can be found via the following link.

The Local Updates' link includes information and photos from the Glasgow West Group's recent collaboration with an artist and also our involvement in the July Glasgow Pride rally.

Below are some of the highlights extracted from the update.

Call on the new PM to protect human rights


The new Prime Minister has previously promised to centre human rights in everything his government does. Now, we need to remind him. A lot needs fixing, and the UK desperately needs a fresh start on human rights.

The new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has said that human rights will be central to everything his government does - but promises need to be put into action.

In 2023, Keir Starmer said: “I've spent a lot of my life fighting for human rights. We need to make sure they are absolutely foundational when it comes to anything that we do in government.”

A lot needs fixing - and human rights provide solutions to these challenges. From ending homelessness, to the crisis in Gaza and fairly treating people seeking safety - human rights are the answer.

We must ensure the new UK government makes good on its promises. Email the new Prime Minister today and demand his government takes action to protect human rights and uphold international law.

Together let's remind the new Prime Minister of his promise to protect human rights. Your voice is crucial - take action now.

Anti-Racism Network Conference: Deconstructing Power

Let's break down the oppressive power structures in society and reclaim anti-racism movements together at "DECONSTRUCTING POWER"!

Come and join us in London on 28 September 2024 at 13:00 for an insightful event where we will be diving deep into the concept of power. This event will feature engaging discussions, interactive workshops, and thought-provoking presentations. Rethinking the UK's anti-racism efforts and delving into the realities of oppressive power, Islamophobia, representation, and grassroots actions. In an era of rising global fascist politics and the weaponisation of religion, how do we mobilise effectively?

Our event features inspiring speakers from the human rights field, including:

• Alisha Thomas from 'Representation Matters'
• Imran Manzoor from 'Breaking the Silence'
• Ilyas Nagdee, author and Anti Racism campaigner
• Stacy Johnson, from 'Reverse Mentoring Practice'
• Zara Manoehoetoe from 'Kids of Colour'

Whether you're a student, professional, or simply curious about the dynamics of power, this event is perfect for anyone looking to gain a better understanding of how power operates in our society.

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to deconstruct and explore the various facets of power with like-minded individuals. See you there!

Book a ticket now!

For further details of the most recent AIUK Local Groups' Update, click on this link.

Upcoming Dates / events

Details on the Amnesty Events page.

Updates on AIUK Campaigns

For details on Amnesty International priority campaigns, click this link.

AI Glasgow West Group Meeting Thurs 8th August 2024

Agenda

1. Welcome and apologies (introductions round table)

   Present: Mal, Claire, Merle, Neil, Luca, Kirstie

2 Agreement of previous meeting minutes here

1. Team Updates (list of roles from AGM here)*: *

   a. Treasurer (Kirstie) £707.94 = total balance; £49.42 collected for the group in the tins; £57 processed on cards for AIUK

   Agreed to review in January if we want to make a donation

   b. Social Media & website (Mal) - increased interactions - have done co-posting with uni group

   c. Local Political Outreach (Neil)

   i. https://act.refugee-action.org.uk/page/154730/petition/1

   ii. Possible political activism actions:

   • find out who is in what constituency
   • find out which politicians we can develop relationships with
   • invite politicians to events
   • support group members to contact Councillors/MSPs/MPs
   • contact new MPs and introduce ourselves

   d. Regional / Country focus

   • South East Asia/ Myanmar (Mal - presentation)
   • Korea (Clara) - no update
   • Pakistan (Chakar):

Baluch National Gathering - led by women; escalating human rights violations in Gwadar (Pakistan) & internet blackout/water cut off; recent assassination attempt on human rights advocate Mahrang Baloch (members of her family have been repeatedly kidnapped & forced disappeared/killed); response from AIUK here and here;

John McDonald MP has tabled this EDM (29.07.24) but only 2 MPs signed (need 6+ to discuss in parliament) → all to email MPs asking them to sign

e. Prisoner of Conscience/Individual At Risk Update (Han) - no update

1. Scotland-wide: We have a new Scotland Activism Rep! Joseph Patemba - he is part of Perth Amnesty. If you'd like to contact him: joseph.patemba@amnesty.org.uk

2. Actions from previous meeting Minutes:

   a. Happy news: Aleksandra Skochilenko (Russian POC) was freed - Thank you for demanding Sasha's release

   b. Pride March & stall 20.07.24 - 158 names on the Argentina urgent action (Mal has sent to Argentina!) & £49.42 collected for the group in the tins; £57 processed on cards for AIUK

   c. Big thanks to Andrew for sharing our Art event action & Pride action with AIUK, and for following up with Scotland AI office re. Alexander Dakers artwork - they will take the “We Are The Same” piece for the Scotland office

3. Far right protests

   a. Send a msg of support:

   • https://secure.freedomfromtorture.org/page/154690/petition/1?locale=en-GB
   • https://act.refugee-action.org.uk/page/154730/petition/1

   b. Attend solidarity protests (if you feel able): https://standuptoracism.org.uk/

   • Bustcard (in case of arrest) in various languages: https://www.libertyhumanrights.org.uk/advice_information/protest-bust-cards-with-translations/
   • More info on keeping safe at protests: https://netpol.org/know-your-rights/; & https://www.instagram.com/p/C-Vb09Et74W/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D&mc_cid=cf8dd3c614&mc_eid=7ed1b15e58&img_index=1
   • Claire, Mal and Clara to attend Saturday event

   c. Reporting hate crime: https://www.scotland.police.uk/contact-us/reporting-hate-crime/?mc_cid=cf8dd3c614&mc_eid=7ed1b15e58

   d. 7th of September - Stand up to Racism Glasgow is looking for help to organise the counter protest - any volunteers? - a group from AIUK will attend; Mal has signs/frame - will bring all; SUTR probably has enough capacity to organise, but anyone interested is welcome to reach out to them on behalf of our group

4. “Guest” speaker: Mal (AIUK Volunteer Co-ordinator for Myanmar / SE Asia) - human rights in South East Asia/ Myanmar – Mal to share links

5. Amnesty Perth/Dundee have a stall at a fundraiser on Friday 30th August from 3-6 pm and on Sunday 29th September from 1-4 pm.

   Msg from Amnesty Perth:

Bring a big bucket as you can pick a lot of berries in an hour or two. Make a day of it as Ashgrove Mill is on the Strathmore Foot and Cycle Path network. Please get in touch if you need more info or directions on how to get there.

9. Urgent Appeals - Merle lead

   a. https://www.amnesty.org.uk/urgent-actions/swedish-iranian-grave-risk-execution-iran

   b. https://www.amnesty.org.uk/urgent-actions/journalist-and-poet-faces-charges-after-abduction

   c. https://www.amnesty.org.uk/urgent-actions/cuba-teacher-need-medical-care

10. AIUK Local Group Updates - July here

    • Amplify Human Rights Festival - 7 December 2024, Woolwich Works, London, SE18 6HD
    • Act now: Call on the new PM to protect human rights
    • Iranian Authorities: Release Toomaj Salehi Now
    • Course: “People, Power, and Politics: Influencing Political Decision-Makers on Human Rights”
    • After the recent election, take this course to build your knowledge of human rights and British politics and learn key strategies to influence and advocate for human rights with your MP.
    • Amnesty's activist led Anti-Racism Network is recruiting a committee member to lead on building the network's social media presence - developing our online campaigning and communications. More info here
    • AIUK 2024 Priority Campaigns here/;/ Amnesty training courses: Activist Education/;/ & Updates from various local AI Groups across the UK

11. AOB - /

12. Next meeting – Thurs 12th September 7.30pm - 9pm - Speaker: Clara

    a. Claire can't attend - volunteer to Chair?

2024 Meeting Dates

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

• 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

• Thursday 8th August 2024

• Thursday 12th September 2024

• Thursday 10th October 2024

• Thursday 14th November 2024

• Thursday 12th December 2024

BETTER TO LIGHT A CANDLE THAN CURSE THE DARKNESS