Thanks to AMG for these updates. If you would like 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 update includes:

• Details of our forthcoming August 2024 meeting;
• Information on current AIUK activities;
• The minutes from our Group's July 2024 meeting; and
• A note of our local Group's remaining meeting dates for 2024.

August 2024 Glasgow West AI Group Meeting

Thursday 8th August, Woodlands International Methodist Church, 7:30pm

The next Glasgow West Amnesty meeting takes place on Thursday 8th August 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:

• 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;

• Updates from our local group co-ordinators on their activities;

• Discussing feedback from our Group members who attended the recent Pride event in Glasgow; and

• Undertaking letter writing in response to recent Urgent Action alerts from AIUK.

AI Glasgow West at the recent Pride March & Rally Glasgow

Many thousands joined in the event as the 2024 Glasgow Pride march wound its way through the city centre, culminating in a large scale music event and stalls at the historic Barras area of the East End.

The AI stall enabled members to raise awareness of the work of AI and encourage attendees to sign current petitions. A number of people also signed up to the Group's mailing list and almost £110 was raised in donations, which will be used to support the Group's campaigning activities.

AIUK Local Updates

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

Below are some of the highlights extracted from the update.

Call on the new PM to protect human rights

Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images

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.

Orkney Amnesty Gaza Vigils

Orkney Amnesty Group has been organising a Gaza vigil every single Saturday in rain, wind, snow and sun since October in front of St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, Orkney. The group has had hundreds of participants over the many months, including lots of tourists and cruise ship passengers. Above are members of the group at the vigil last week. Thank you so much for your relentless commitment Orkney group!

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.

Link to the course
You can access all activist education resources and trainings on this page: Activist Education

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 AIUK Campaigns

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

AI Glasgow West Group Meeting Thurs 11th July 2024

Minutes

1. Welcome and apologies (introductions round table)

Attending - Claire (chair); Mal, Carol, Neil, Clara, Andrew, Kirstie, Jean. Merle, Sophie, Han & Chakar.

1. Agreement of previous meeting minutes

2. Team Updates (list of roles from AGM here)\:

   a. Treasurer (Kirstie) - £128.49 donated at art event; balance £665.04; Kirstie has requested AIUK to allow us to hold on to credit card reader.

   b. Social Media & website (Mal) - no reshares re. art event but lots of new followers.

   c. Local Political Outreach (Neil) - Labour is in. Need to keep pressure on government; email the PM/MPs re. Scotland Amnesty's Human Rights manifesto

   • Action: email PM - template here - all to consider signing online petition.

   d. Regional / Country focus

   • South East Asia/ Myanmar (Mal) - Mal will give talk in August meeting;

     • AI action on aviation fuel being supplied to Myanmar
     • September action = contact local MPs re. Myanmar. UK is “pen holder” for Myanmar at UN Security Council (UK drafts communiques/drafts documents)

   • Pakistan (Chakar) - Balochistan - report June 2024 - >80 people forcibly abducted by Pakistan army, 54 still missing; multiple cases of suicide after abductees released → shared with Cherry Bird (India & Pakistan Country Coordinator)

     • Today - protest in Quetta (capital city of Balochistan) - police opened fire/teargas

   • Korea (Clara) - Clara can do presentation for our group in September - re. Write for Rights IAR.

     • Film Screening “All Static and Noise” - need to find venue - Clara thinking end of Sep/start of Oct - Glasgow uni - Andrew to share contact w Clara

   e. Prisoner of Conscience/Individual At Risk Update (Han) - ongoing

3. Actions from previous meeting Minutes:

   a. AI Group's Collaboration with artist Alexander Dakers (28.06.24) - Carol's speech was excellent!; lots of people signed AIUK torture trade petition; £128 raised; display table perfectly organised by Andrew; lots of interest in Amnesty; great atmosphere; 3 people added to mailing list

   Suggestion for the future: Carol to be group speaker!; method to count number of people who sign online petition

   Artist has donated 5 pieces of art to Amnesty - currently stored in Andrew's house!

   • Waiting for AI Scotland office to reply re. taking artwork

   • Potentially consider giving to Mitchell Library / Scottish University human rights dept?

   • Artist has indicated he will assist our Group in finding a suitable use / home for the artwork

4. AIUK AGM 22.06.24 - Clara and Mal attended.

   a. all resolutions were passed including re. delaying sale of Amnesty UK HQ building in London

   b. hopefully 2-day joint AGM/conference next year

   c. Mal encouraged us all to attend next year!

5. Film screening of Turkish documentary film The Decree - Mhairi - no update

6. Hong Kong petition - Clara - group signed petition for IAR

7. UK Election

   a. Opportunity still exists to forward the link to Amnesty Scotland's manifesto to MPs. (Neil?)

   b. Amnesty Scotland election hustings on human rights - went well - Kirstie attended

8. Amnesty Global Assembly Consultation Meetings were held on 08 & 10 July. No-one from our Group attended.

9. Claire & Barrie from the Perth Amnesty group have made a WhatsApp group chat “Scotland Amnesty” for members from the central belt groups (Perth, Dundee, Glasgow, Edinburgh) so we can work closer on campaigns more easily. If you'd like to join, welcome! Please ask Claire for the joining link.

10. Perth Amnesty is holding an Amnesty Information stall in the Birnam Arts Centre on Sunday 28th July - all welcome to join! Birnam is on the opposite bank of the Tay from Dunkeld and so the group are thinking of going on a low-level walk around there on the day also, for people who want to. If you are interested to attend, please message Claire/the Glasgow email.

11. Pride march & stall - Saturday 20th July

    a. Starting point: Festival Park. The route will leave Festival Park and head over the squinty bridge to Broomielaw and up to Argyle Street before heading through the Merchant City and ending at Glasgow Green, where it is a short distance to the Glasgow Barrowlands, which will host the market, mainstage, and community stages.

    b. Music = 2-8pm at the Barras

    c. Stall at the Pride Hub, the Barras Market.

    d. Arr 8.30am to set up stall

    e. With laptop for petition / printed; merch / posters / badges / t-shirts, donation tins, etc

    f. March – Arrival Time: Festival Park by 10:00 AM. Group Check-In: 1 member of each group to take the lead. Please look for the designated check-in points upon arrival at Festival Park. We need at least 1 steward. There's a 10 minute training video & then a gform quiz, then on the day you wear a hi vis! Organisations are required to have at least 1 person for every 10 people in your group complete the providing training successfully. Info video here; assessment here - Claire has completed & done assessment.

    • Mal - set-up stall → march
    • Claire & Clara to be at Festival Park 9.30am
    • Kirstie - at the stall at 1-3pm
    • Han - at the stall sometime in the afternoon
    • Chakar - hopefully around!
    • ?? Mhairi, Chloe, Jim - Claire/Mal to msg
    • Daytime group - Carol to invite
    • Clara to msg uni group
    • Iona (Russian County Coordinator) - bringing actions

12. Urgent Appeals - Merle circulated the undernoted Urgent Actions (and also subsequently posted them to our SIgnal Group).

    • Bangladesh

    • Argentina

    • Azerbaijan

13. AIUK Local Group Updates - June here

    • AIUK 2024 Priority Campaigns here; Amnesty training courses: Activist Education; & Updates from various local AI Groups across the UK

14. AOB:

    a. Carol - response from Russian Prosecutor's Office re. urgent action letter

    b. Neil Cowan (Scotland AI Head) coming to Glasgow Daytime meeting 18.07.24 1pm @ The Wee Retreat, Govanhill, Glasgow to talk about role of AI's Scottish Office and also Amnesty Futures movement

15. Next meeting – Thurs 8th August 7.30pm - 9pm - Speaker: South East Asia/ Myanmar (Mal)

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

Thanks 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 AI 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 April 2024 meeting;

• Information on current AIUK activities;

• Minutes of our local Group meeting held last month; and

• A note of our local Group's meeting dates for 2024.

April 2024 Glasgow West AI Group Meeting

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

The next Glasgow West Amnesty meeting takes place on Thursday 11^th April 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 April meeting will include:

• Updates from our local group co-ordinators on their activities;

• Discussion on potential future projects / campaigns; and

• Undertaking letter writing in response to recent Urgent Actions alerts from AIUK.

AIUK Local Updates

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

Photo – AI Romsey Group's Solidarity vigil for Alexi Navalny

This month's Local Groups' Update provides information of activities carried out by AI Groups across the UK, including solidarity actions for Gaza, events marking International Women's Day and a vigil for Alexi Navalny.

Our own local Group's recent fundraiser event was given a write-up in the AIUK Fundraising round-up.

Updates on Current AIUK Campaigns

For further details and more Amnesty International events, click this link.

Photo by Mike Kemp via Getty Image

These include campaigns relating to Israel / Palestine; Economic, Social & Cultural Rights; campaigning for progressive Human Rights in the forthcoming General Election; and Protect the Protest.

To sign the joint AIUK / Liberty petition calling on the Home Secretary to scrap the anti-protest measures, click on this link.

Shop Amnesty

Amnesty Shop – Browse Amnesty International's wide range of ethical gifts and everyday items via this link.

Minutes of Meeting held on 14th March 2024

1. Welcome and apologies (introductions round table)

   • Attendees: Andrew, Kirstie, Merle, Neil and Clara.

   • Apologies: Claire, Jean, Mal, Sophie, Han and Cait.

   • Andrew chaired the meeting in Claire's absence.

   • A particular welcome was given to Clara, who was attending the group for the first time. Clara had recently been appointed as a Volunteer Co-ordinator for AI, covering North Korea and South Korea and was currently undergoing induction training. It was suggested that Clara might provide an update on her role at a future meeting, once she has been undertaking the duties for a while.

2. Agreement of previous meeting minutes

   • The minutes of the 8^th February meeting were agreed, with any matters arising being covered in the agenda.

3. Team Updates

(list of roles from AGM here)

a. Treasurer (Kirstie)

• Main outgoings in past month have been postage, as well as raffle tickets bought for next year's fundraiser.

• The Group's bank balance is currently £725.70.

• Known future expenses are to cover our Group's annual AIUK affiliation fee (£72) and the quarterly payment for hire of the meeting room (£78).

b. Social Media & website (Mal & Cait)

• No update.

c. Local Political Outreach (Neil)

• No update.

• Neil asked for clarification on this role, beyond what was covered in the summary circulated at the recent AGM (link above in this item). It was suggested that forthcoming elections in the year ahead might present an opportunity to engage with local politicians and encourage them to support key human rights issue within their manifestos. It was noted that AIUK had designated the UK General election as one of its Priority Campaigns for 2024. It was also suggested that engaging local MPs, MSPs and Councillors in various ongoing campaigns would be another approach, as we had successfully done in recent ‘Write for Rights' events.

d. Regional/ Country focus – South East Asia/ Myanmar (Mal)

• No update.

e. Prisoner of Conscience/Individual At Risk Update (Han)

• No update.

f. Wellbeing/D&I Update (Sophie)

• No update.

4. The Stand 12.02.2024 comedy night fundraiser

1. Thanks were given to everyone who bought tickets, contributed to the raffle / helped with promoting / sold raffle tickets & helped organise on the night of the fundraiser event.

2. £1,630 was raised for the AI charitable arm from the ticket sales. Confirmation has been received from AIUK Charitable Trust that those funds have been sent to them by The Stand.

3. £442 was raised for our local AI Group (via donation tins £36.74 + 5 euro and raffle £402).

4. Overall, therefore, a total of £2,072 was raised at this year's event. (The 2023 total was £3,500, with the main difference being that the 2023 show was sold out and the tickets were sold for a higher price, due principally to Frankie Boyle being on the bill).

5. Another Stand Comedy night fundraiser has already been booked for Thurs 20.02.25.

5. `Prevent' AIUK Report Launch

Read more on AIUK's website: Prevent AIUK Report

1. Discussion took place on AIUK's report, published in Nov 2023, concerning the multiple failures highlighted in the design and implementation of the ‘Prevent' strategy, which was intended to discourage individuals from terrorism, but evidence indicates has led to numerous and significant human rights failings.

2. AIUK had asked if our Group wished to help launch a Glasgow event concerning AIUK's Prevent report. Due to an absence of local volunteers within our Group to assist with the planning of such an event, it was agreed that we could not agree to this.

6. Uyghur film screening in April

1. Nabila (China Country Coordinator) had linked up with the director of the film "All Static and Noise" for its April UK tour, which will include an AIUK ‘Individual at Risk' case - Ilham Toti - and his daughter Jewher, the latter who will be on the panel and coming from the USA.

2. There will be a screening in Edinburgh. It was noted that, as of this meeting (14/3/24), no date had yet been announced online for the planned Edinburgh showing.

3. No members of our group were free to help organise a showing in Glasgow.

7. Human Rights Scotland Bill – Webinar event on 24 April at 7pm

1. It was noted that the Amnesty Scotland Team had invited Groups to join a Webinar on Scotland's forthcoming Human Rights Bill.

2. The background to this is that the Scottish Government has committed to introducing a new piece of legislation designed to strengthen the legal human rights framework in Scotland. This is an exciting step which holds the potential to transform how people in Scotland access and enforce a wide variety of human rights. If you would like to learn more about the Bill, how Amnesty Scotland are working on it, and how you can get involved, there will be an online briefing on 24 April at 7pm. This will also be an opportunity to meet some new members of the AI Scotland Team.

3. Details below to join the briefing via computer, mobile app or room device.

Please follow link below to the webinar at the time:-

Click here to join the meeting

Meeting ID: 310 131 163 565

Passcode: u6U4ag

Download Teams Join on the web

Learn More Meeting options

Action - All members are encouraged to link in to this event.

8. Potential Collaboration with Artist

1. Andrew updated on a proposal by a Bournemouth-based artist, Alexander Dakers of Zander Art. Further information and background is included in a recent Glasgow Evening Times article.

2. The artist's grandfather was imprisoned during the 1973 Chilean coup and AI campaigned for his release. Alexander has since raised money for AI via sales of his artwork.

3. He has invited our Group to collaborate with him at his exhibition at a gallery in Glasgow City Centre this summer.

4. Following discussion, Group members were enthusiastic about this and potential examples of how we might be able to collaborate included the following:-

• Members of our Group attending the 'VIP day' opening of the exhibition;

• Setting up a stand at the exhibition with AI banners, posters, leaflets, collecting tin, etc. This would be to help raise awareness of AI and encourage people attending the exhibition to consider joining AI themselves;

• Possibly promoting some of the AI Urgent Actions that are current at the time of the exhibition. e.g. cases relating to Chile - or perhaps broader South American issues and individuals from there who are prisoners of conscience. This could include inviting exhibition attendees to sign petitions, write letters, etc;

• Using our social media and our mailing list to help promote the exhibition;

• Our Group writing articles for the local press to highlight the exhibition; and

• Inviting other local AI Groups and members to also engage with this project.

Action – It was agreed that Andrew would contact AIUK to discuss the previous AI fundraising work by the artist.

Thereafter, Andrew will contact the artist and invite him to consider our potential proposals for collaborating with him and invite him to propose other suggestions.

9. International Women's Day

1. It was noted that an invitation from the Ayrshire AI Group to join their Amnesty event to mark International Women's Day had been circulated. Unfortunately, no members of our Group were able to attend.

2. The Amnesty Feminists' network issued an action pack for International Women's Day. It included three actions that we discussed and undertook at the meeting.

https://www.amnesty.org.uk/resources/international-womens-day-action-pack-2024.

Action - Andrew - The petitions within this were signed by those present and they will be returned to the Network via email.

10. Social Walk with Perth Amnesty - Sunday 7th April - near Perth

1. This is a low-level walk, suitable for all ages & abilities.

2. Lifts to and from the meeting point can be arranged.

3. It will provide a good opportunity to discuss how our respective Groups could work together on issues such as Balochistan and other Human Rights issues where there is a common interest.

4. Claire and Chakar have already committed to attend.

Action - Anyone else interested in going along should contact Claire.

11. AIUK Local Group Updates

29th Feb AIUK Local Group Updates email here:

https://email.amnestyuk.org.uk/q/1eXvKtM4YVqdNvXlB1fnP5x/wv

21 Mar 7 pm - 8.30 pm - ACEN Israel-Gaza: impacts, human rights and routes to peace. Online. Sign up here.

2 Apr 6 pm - 7.30 pm - What are Economic and Social rights and why is Amnesty working on them? Online. Sign up here.

New AIUK campaign on our everyday rights

Our human rights are under threat and it is not a distant problem, human rights violations are happening right here in the UK. Here at home, a chilling reality is unravelling – millions of families and individuals can't access what they need to live, from safe shelter to healthcare, food and more. This crisis does not come from a lack of resources, as we're often led to believe, it comes from political choices that drive inequality. To show this reality we have worked with actors Olivia Colman and Adrian Lester to show that this is happening before our eyes. Watch our new trailer for a drama series that sadly is not drama. It is a reality.

Please be aware this is a video which tells the story of violations of human rights which includes the death of a baby so please do look after yourself and don't watch unless you want to.

Housing, food, healthcare – these are all our human rights but they don't often get as much attention as rights such as free speech, protest and a fair trial. At Amnesty we are working on making sure we are campaigning for all our rights including the everyday rights that are often and too frequently ignored. Everyone should have a safe and secure place to call home, people should have enough food to eat and access to healthcare.

Watch here https://email.amnestyuk.org.uk/c/12cyALB1cSooTlT8W7faRIsmije6

Ongoing

• AIUK 2024 Priority Campaigns here - read through and see any areas we want to focus on.

• Amnesty training courses e.g. Delivering human rights education*;* Anti-racism and human rights course*;* Confronting and Countering Gender-Based Violence course* *

12. Urgent Appeals

1. Merle noted that the UK Urgent Actions webpage had not been updated. However, she got some from the US website, which appeared to be much better organised.

2. Merle circulated Urgent Actions concerning:

   • a detained Ethiopian journalist;

   • A Zimbabwian form MP;

   • And a terminally ill Palestinian prisoner,

Those present at the meeting wrote letters concerning these Urgent Actions and Kirstie took them for posting.

13. AOB

Parking charges on Woodlands Road.

Kirstie had circulated a notice form the church group highlighting that Glasgow City Council was considering extending parking charge times on various streets, including Woodlands Rd, to 10pm, 7 days pw.

This is part of the Council's budget options and had not yet been finalised / considered / agreed. The notice suggested that anyone concerned about this proposal may wish to raise concerns with local Councillors.

https://news.stv.tv/west-central/glasgow-city-council-parking-charges-to-be-extended-to-10pm-across-glasgow

14. Next meeting – Thurs 11th April @ 7.30pm - 9pm

Neil noted his apologies for the April meeting.

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

Many thanks to the combined efforts of AMG and MDS for these updates. If you would like to read them as a PDF, you can do so here.

We warmly invite you to attend the next meeting of the AI 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 update includes:

• Details of our forthcoming March 2024 meeting;

• Information on current AIUK activities;

• An update on our recent successful Comedy Fundraiser for Amnesty;

• Minutes of our local Group meeting held last month; and

• A note of our local Group's meeting dates for 2024.

March 2024 Glasgow West AI Group Meeting

Thursday 14th March, Woodlands International Methodist Church, 7:30pm

The next Glasgow West Amnesty meeting takes place on Thursday 14th March 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 activities for the March meeting include:

• Reviewing the recent fundraiser event and planning further activities;

• Discussion of the UK Government's Prevent Strategy and its impact on Human Rights;

• Updates from our local group co-ordinators on their activities; and

• Undertaking letter writing in response to recent Urgent Actions alerts from AIUK.

International Women's Day Event in Ayr

To mark International Women's Day, our colleagues at the Ayr local Amnesty International Group are organising an ‘Amnestea Party' to ‘celebrate and respect women: past, present and future.'

The event is being held from 1pm – 4pm on Saturday 9th March. It will take place in the Holy Trinity Church Hall, Fullarton Street, Ayr. Tea, Coffee and cake will be served. Entry is free. All welcome!

Over £2,000 Raised in Our Recent Fundraising Event

Our local Group's Amnesty International Comedy Night Fundraiser held at The Stand Comedy Club, Glasgow in February 2024 raised over £2,000.

A total of £1,630 was raised via ticket sales, which went directly to AIUK's charitable arm.

A raffle and AI collecting tins raised a total of £442, which will go towards our local AI group's campaigning and expenses.

A big ‘Thank You' was given to the comedians on the bill, all of whom gave their input for free. Likewise, The Stand Comedy Club also provided its facilities for no charge. Finally, we wish to extend a special thank you to all our supporters who donated prizes for the raffle, bought tickets and came along to enjoy a great show, whilst raising money for an even greater cause.

Given the success of the event, we have already agreed a date with The Stand for a similar event next year. Further details to follow nearer the time, but, in the meantime, ‘Hold the Date' of Thursday 20th February 2025!

Updates On Current AIUK Campaigns

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

Web Events

21 Mar 7 pm - 8.30 pm - /ACEN Israel-Gaza: impacts, human rights and routes to peace. /Online. Sign up here.

2 Apr, 6 pm - 7.30 pm* - What are Economic and Social rights and why is Amnesty working on them? Online webinar. Details below:-*

‘What are Economic, Social and Cultural rights and why is Amnesty working on them?'

AIUK has spent the last six months meeting with people living in poverty and experiencing rights violations in the UK to find out how we, as the Amnesty movement, can work to end these violations.

Our new Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights Lead – Jen Clark and Campaign Manager Laura Trevelyan will be running a webinar to talk you through the finding of this research and our upcoming plans on Tues 2 April from 7pm.

Register here

For further details and more Amnesty International events, click this link.

New campaign on our everyday rights

Our human rights are under threat and it is not a distant problem, human rights violations are happening right here in the UK. Here at home, a chilling reality is unravelling – millions of families and individuals can't access what they need to live, from safe shelter to healthcare, food and more.

This crisis does not come from a lack of resources, as we're often led to believe, it comes from political choices that drive inequality. To show this reality we have worked with actors Olivia Colman and Adrian Lester to show that this is happening before our eyes. Watch our new trailer for a drama series that sadly is not drama. It is a reality.

Please be aware this is a video which tells the story of violations of human rights which includes the death of a baby so please do look after yourself and don't watch unless you want to.

Housing, food, healthcare – these are all our human rights but they don't often get as much attention as rights such as free speech, protest and a fair trial. At Amnesty we are working on making sure we are campaigning for all our rights including the everyday rights that are often and too frequently ignored.

Everyone should have a safe and secure place to call home, people should have enough food to eat and access to healthcare.

Watch here

Shop Amnesty

Amnesty Shop – Browse Amnesty International's wide range of ethical gifts and everyday items via this link.

February 2024 Meeting Updates

Minutes of Meeting held on 8th February 2024

1. Welcome and apologies (introductions round table)

   • Attendees: Christine, Jean, Kirstie, Mal, Merle

   • Apologies: Andrew, Claire, Neil

   • Mal chaired in Claire's absence. (p.s. Thanks also to Mal for producing this note of the meeting)

2. Agreement of previous meeting minutes

   • Minutes agreed

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

   1. Treasurer (Kirstie)

      • Paid out since last meeting: £72 to AIUK for annual registration fee. £78 to church for hall hire for 3 months.

      • £305.91 in bank (prior to comedy night).

   2. Social Media & website (Mal & Cait)

      • Focus on promoting comedy night.

   3. Local Political Outreach (Neil)

      • No update.

   4. Regional/ Country focus – South East Asia/ Myanmar (Mal)

      • No update.

   5. Prisoner of Conscience/Individual At Risk Update (Han)

      • No update.

   6. Wellbeing/D&I Update (Sophie)

      • No update.

4. The Stand 12.02.2024 comedy night fundraiser:

   • Further logistical arrangements made and agreed prior to comedy night. Further details communicated on Signal group ahead of event.

5. Prevent AIUK Report Launch (published Nov 2023)

   • AIUK is looking to organise launch events in 5 different cities across the UK in the first quarter of 2024, inc. Glasgow. Is anyone interested in leading on this campaign?

   • No volunteers at meeting. Possibly involve political engagement so ask Neil if interested? Or anyone else not at meeting.

6. Uyghur film screening in April: Nabila (China Country Coordinator) has linked up with the director of the film "All Static and Noise" for their April UK tour to include an AIUK IAR case - Ilham Toti and his daughter Jewher - who will be on the panel and coming from the USA.

   1. There will be a screening in Edinburgh. Do we want one in Glasgow (without Jewher - she'll just be in Edinburgh & various English cities)?

   2. If anyone wants to help organise a Glasgow one, or support the Edinburgh one, pls say

      • No volunteers at meeting. Suggest that instead we make a group trip to Edinburgh for screening, depending on date.

7. Urgent Appeals - (Merle)

   • Actions take on three urgent actions:

     • Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories: Palestinian journalists forcibly disappeared https://www.amnesty.org.uk/urgent-actions/palestinian-journalists-forcibly-disappeared

     • Iran: Man facing imminent protest-related execution https://www.amnesty.org.uk/urgent-actions/man-facing-imminent-protest-related-execution

     • Iran: Man at grave risk of protest-related execution In Iran https://www.amnesty.org.uk/urgent-actions/man-grave-risk-protest-related-execution-iran

8. Local Group Updates - January Updates email here.

   • See the useful list of “Who's Who”

   • 8th March = International Women's Day - SM?

   • Actions:

     • Rita Karasartova facing 15 years in Prison for Peacefully protesting in Kyrgyzstan - sign the petition

   • Respect Freedom of Expression in Jammu & Kashmir - Email the Indian Ambassador to the UK here

   • Peru: Stand with Victims of State Repression - Sign the petition here

   • Protect the Protest: Freedom of Expression in Bangladesh - raise concerns to the High Commission in London here

   • Zimbabwe - Charges Against Young Political Activist Must Be Dropped - email here

9. Protect the Protest updates:

   • Scrap new anti-protest laws - petition to Home Secretary

   • CALL-OUT: Let us know about the policing of Palestine solidarity protests - Netpol - AIUK partner (only for England/Wales)

10. Ongoing:

    • AIUK 2024 Priority Campaigns here - read through and see any areas we want to focus on

    • Amnesty trainings e.g. Delivering human rights education; Anti-racism and human rights course; Confronting and Countering Gender-Based Violence course

11. AOB

    • None.

12. Next meeting – Thurs 14th March 7.30pm - 9pm - Claire can't come - any volunteers to chair? No volunteers at meeting. (Note: Post-meeting Andrew has agreed 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

Thanks to AMG for these updates. If you would likle to read them as a PDF, you can do so here.

We warmly invite you to attend the next meeting of the AI 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 update includes:

• Details of our forthcoming February 2024 meeting;

• How to get tickets for our 12th February Comedy Fundraiser at The Stand;

• Information on current AIUK campaigns;

• Minutes of our local Group meeting held last month; and

• A note of our local Group's meeting dates for 2024.

February 2024 Glasgow West AI Group Meeting

Thursday 8th February, Woodlands International Methodist Church, 7:30pm

The next Glasgow West Amnesty meeting takes place on Thursday 8th February 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 activities for the February meeting include:

• Planning for our forthcoming local Comedy Night Fundraiser for Amnesty International, which is being held at The Stand, Glasgow on Monday 12th February 2024; and

• Undertaking letter writing in response to recent Urgent Actions alerts from AIUK.

12th February - Comedy Fundraising Event for AI Glasgow West

Some Tickets Still Remaining - Get Your Tickets Now!

A Comedy night will be held at The Stand Comedy Club, Glasgow on Monday 12th February 2024 to raise funds for Amnesty International.

All the comedians on the bill, including the high profile mystery host, are giving their input to our worthwhile cost for free. Likewise, The Stand is providing its facilities for no charge. All profits from ticket sales will go to AIUK's charitable arm. A cash raffle will be held on the night, with the proceeds going directly to our local AI group's campaigning and expenses.

Tickets cost £12 / £10 and are on sale now. Further information is available from The Stand website.

Updates On Current AIUK Campaigns

Gaza – Call For Ceasefire

Demand An Urgent Ceasefire In Gaza And Israel – Now

Countless lives have been shattered, ripped apart, and upended due to the crisis in Gaza, Israel and wider Occupied Palestinian Territories. In the face of such devastation and suffering, humanity must prevail. For further details, click the Link.

UK Government's Prevent Strategy

What Is Prevent?

How much do you know about Prevent – the UK's strategy ‘to stop people becoming terrorists'?

Our new report - This Is The Thought Police: The Prevent duty and its chilling effect on human rights - illustrates that Prevent is a dangerously broken system.

As a `pre-crime intervention', it is supposed to protect us by identifying people at risk of radicalisation into terrorism and stopping them before they do. But in reality, the vast majority of people reported under Prevent do not present any threat and the referrals require no further action. Prevent is seriously interfering with the lives and freedoms of thousands of innocent people, and it is leading to many people self-censoring out of fear of being reported to it.

Scrap New Anti-Protest Laws

Photo by Mike Kemp via Getty Image

What does the future hold if we allow the government to restrict our right to protest?

The answer is: nothing good.

Join us to demand the Home Secretary scraps the government's anti-protest laws today.

ACT NOW

Shop Amnesty

Amnesty Shop – Browse AI's wide range of ethical gifts and everyday items via this link.

Further information from AIUK

Further information from AIUK can be found on the webpage.

January 2024 Updates

Amnesty International

Glasgow West Local Group

Meeting held on 11th January 2024

Present: Claire (Chair), Mal, Merle, Chakar, Han, Sophie, Neil and Andrew.

Apologies submitted: Kirstie, Cait, Fatma and Mhairi.

Welcome

Claire welcomed everyone to the meeting, particularly Chakar, who's asylum application had finally been approved in recent weeks, following a process that took just over three years. Claire indicated that Fatma would resume attendance at the group in the Spring.

Minutes of meeting held on 14th December 2023 and Matters Arising

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed, with an update provided on the following matters arising:-

Political Cartoons Display - A couple of colleagues had gone along to the Mitchell Library to see the display board with political cartoons, including several directly relating to AI. Andrew had previously circulated some photographs of the display on the Glasgow West AI activists' Signal group.

Write 4 Rights - The Glasgow AI Groups' Write for Rights event held in December resulted in just over 100 cards and letters being sent.

Lift the Ban Campaign – Fatma can advise on any opportunities for group members to participate in Lift the Ban actions.

AI Comedy Night Fundraiser Preparation

• Event takes place at The Stand Comedy Club, Glasgow on Mon 12th Feb 8pm – 10pm.

• We can check how many tickets have been sold via this link (40 tickets sold as at 25/1/24)

• Ticket sales money will go directly to AIUK charitable arm. All proceeds from raffle with go to our local group's campaigning activities and running expenses.

• Andrew to Contact Glasgow Univ Group and ask them to promote the show / help get the tickets sold.

• Andrew to contact Sarah at Freedom From Torture and ask FFT to promote our event to their members / mailing list.

• Cait has created online poster for use in social media.

• Han will create / print physical posters for use in local shops / bars / universities, etc for promoting the event. (QR code to be added to poster with direct link to booking via The Stand).

• Mal will contact AIUK to arrange a direct mailing from them to all AI members in the Greater Glasgow postcode.

• Andrew has taken large AI banner & bungee clips / placards / Raffle Tickets, 3 collecting tins / AI stickers & badges and will bring these to The Stand

• Fatma will drop off the new banner at the church hall and Mal will bring it on the night

• Eva at The Stand has indicated that Mark Nelson will act as ‘Special Guest Host', but has asked not to be named on the publicity, as he is planning his own show in the coming months.

• Mal will liaise with the host comedian, including in relation to the raffle draw.

• Mal will also provide a short overview of the work of AI to the audience during the interval prior to commencing the raffle.

• Mal will take photos on the night for posting to social media. He will also ask if there is anyone not wishing to be photographed.

• Neil, Han and Sophie have volunteered to sell raffle tickets – others welcome to assist with this too.

• Raffle tickets to be sold at £2 per strip and £5 for three strips

• Raffle prizes – all to consider donating raffle prizes on the night. (Preference is not to have loads of prizes, but rather to have a manageable number of decent quality prizes. (e.g. bottles of wine / spirits / champagne, etc.

• A small number of our group should come early to The Stand to help set up.

• Final details, etc to be sorted at our next meeting, which takes place a few days before the event.

AI Glasgow Archive material

Following discussion at last month's meeting about the AI archive material left by former Glasgow AI member Brian Donnelly, Merle indicated that she had a sizeable collection of archive material from our group. This dates back to 1975, when the Glasgow AI group was founded. It was agreed that this ought to be preserved in a secure place for posterity. Merle agreed to liaise with the archivist service at the Mitchell Library to enquire as to whether they might be interested in holding the material.

Action - Merle

Mailchimp / Website Log-in

Merle will check if she still has up-to-date log-in details for our Group's Mailchimp account (which is used by Rob to send out the monthly meeting notices, including minutes of previous meeting, AIUK Local group updates, etc). Likewise, she will do the same regarding our local group's website.

Action – Merle to liaise with Andrew on this

Annual General Meeting

The meeting notice had indicated that our AGM would be included as part of this meeting. Claire had previously circulated details of all posts and indicated that all were available for anyone interested. This included the opportunity to act as shadow / support for anyone not yet prepared to take on a role immediately. After discussion, including an outline of various roles, including some that were currently unfilled, the following post-holders were confirmed for the year ahead:-

• Chair – Claire

• Treasurer – Kirstie

• Secretary – Andrew

• Urgent Actions co-ordinator – Merle

• Social Media co-ordinator – Cait / Mal

• Welfare & Diversity co-ordinator– Sophie

• Political liaison co-ordinator - Neil

• Prisoner of Conscience / Individual at Risk Co-ordinator* – Han

(*Mal explained that there are options for individuals or local groups to work long-term on individual cases, countries or regions, particular professions or thematic areas. This typically involves liaison with colleagues in AIUK, as well as work led locally)

Mal also noted that he had taken on the role of Co-ordinator for Myanmar / South East Asia in recent months and was working with colleagues in AIUK on this. It was agreed that it would be interesting to invite Mal to speak about this work at one of our future meetings.

Action - Mal

Post meeting script

AI subsequently posted information on vacant country co-ordinator roles:-

https://www.amnesty.org.uk/jobs/activism?utm_content=142118&utm_campaign=MCFR1294S_CC_Roles_LGs&utm_medium=email&utm_source=amnestyuk

Claire posted this on our Glasgow West activists' Signal group. Chakar expressed an interest in the Iran co-ordinator role. Details of the application process are in the link above.

Urgent Actions

Merle circulated information relating to a number of Urgent Actions and members were invited to respond to them following the meeting:-

Other Urgent Actions can also be accessed via AIUK's Urgent Actions link and individual Group members may also wish to follow up on these. https://www.amnesty.org.uk/urgent-actions

ACTION – All to consider responding to the AI Urgent Action appeals

AIUK Local Groups' Update

Due to the holiday period, there was only a very brief details from the latest AIUK Local Groups' Update, which had been circulated with the meeting notice.

Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting will take place on Thursday 8th February 2024, 7.30pm - 9pm @ Woodlands Methodist Church, 229 Woodlands Road, G3 6LW.

Claire noted that she would be unable to attend the February and March meetings.

Andrew noted he is unable to attend the February meeting. Mal will take a note of the meeting.

Mal agreed to chair the meetings. Claire will prepare the February agenda. Andrew will prepare the March agenda.

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

Thank you 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 AI 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 update includes:

• Details of our forthcoming January 2024 meeting, which includes our AGM;
• How to get tickets for our February Comedy Fundraiser;
• Feedback on our annual Write for Rights Campaign;
• Excerpts from and a link to AIUK's most recent update for local AI groups;
• Minutes of our local Group meeting held last month; and
• A note of our local Group's meeting dates for 2024.

January 2024 Glasgow West AI Group Meeting

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

The next Glasgow West Amnesty meeting takes place on Thursday 11th January 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 activities for the January meeting include:

• Our local Group's AGM, including agreeing the various postholders, such as chair, treasurer, secretary, social media co-ordinator, etc. We are always keen to involve new members and would love to have new volunteers coming along;

• Planning for our forthcoming local Comedy Night Fundraiser for Amnesty International, which is being held at The Stand, Glasgow on Monday 12th February 2024;

• Discussing a collaboration proposal from the neighbouring Dumbarton / Lomond local AI Group; and

• Undertaking letter writing in response to recent Urgent Actions alerts from AIUK.

Comedy Fundraising Night at The Stand - 12th Feb 2024

Get Your Tickets Now!

Amnesty International Glasgow West – Comedy Fundraising Event

A Comedy night will be held at The Stand Comedy Club, Glasgow on Monday 12th February 2024 to raise funds for Amnesty International.

All the comedians on the bill, including the high profile mystery host, are giving their input to our worthwhile cost for free. Likewise, The Stand is providing its facilities for no charge. All profits from ticket sales will go to AIUK's charitable arm. A cash raffle will be held on the night, with the proceeds going directly to our local AI group's campaigning and expenses.

Tickets cost £12 / £10 and are on sale now. Further information is available from The Stand website.

Write for Rights Campaign

Write a letter, change a life

The Glasgow AI Groups held a Write for Rights event in Hillhead Library, Byres Road, Glasgow on Sunday 10th December (the UN's Human Rights Day). Despite the rainy weather, the event helped to engage members of the public in writing letters of support to those unfairly detained, as well as letters of protest to Authorities around the world responsible for human rights abuses.

In total, over one hundred cards and letters were sent from the Glasgow AI Groups.

Photo: Activists from the Glasgow AI Groups with a member of the public at our Dec 2023 Write for Rights event

Amnesty International's Write for Rights campaign transforms the lives of people whose rights have been wronged.

This year's campaign features people from around the world, all connected because their human rights have been violated. Some by their governments, others by the police, or by big corporations. All because of who they are and what they do.

The current Right for Rights Campaign runs until the end of January. Links to two of the 2023 Write for Rights cases are highlighted below.

Demand Freedom for Ahmed

Before his arrest, Ahmed was the last voice in the UAE providing the rest of the world with credible independent information about human rights abuses in the country. He regularly drew attention to the detention, torture, and unfair trials of dissenters. He spoke about problems with the judicial system and national laws that violate international laws.

ACT NOW: Demand Ahmed Mansoor be freed from prison in the UAE

Free Tunisian activist Chaima Issa

When Tunisian president Kais Saied suspended parliament in July 2021, dismissed the prime minister, and seized control of the country citing emergency powers, Chaima was one of the first to publicly oppose him. Since he seized power, human rights in Tunisia are more fragile than ever. Freedom of expression is under attack. Military courts target critics of the government, and the legal system lacks independence.

ACT NOW: Sign the petition to call on the Tunisian authorities to drop the investigation and other restrictions against Chaima Issa

Read more: censorship and freedom of expression

You can also support all eleven of the 2023 individuals by signing the petition.

Extract Of Local Groups' Updates From AIUK

Details of AIUK's update for local groups can be viewed via this browser link.

This month's update from AIUK is shorter than usual, due to the Christmas / New Year holiday period, but includes the following:

AIUK Board of Directors Vacancies

Amnesty International UK will be seeking to fill five vacancies on its Board during 2024.

Details of the vacancies and election process are included on the AIUK website.

The deadline for applications is 23rd February 2024.

Upcoming dates

Invitation to Manchester Amnesty's online meeting with JENGbA

On Monday 8 January at 7pm, Manchester Amnesty group is holding an online meeting with speakers from Joint Enterprise Not Guilty by Association (JENGbA).

This meeting follows the passing of Manchester Amnesty's resolution at Amnesty UK's 2023 AGM meeting, which focuses on the ways in which the Joint Enterprise and conspiracy laws are being used against communities in the UK, including the use of racist gang narratives in prosecutions, particularly of young people of colour. The speakers from JENGbA will explain more about their work and we will discuss ways in which we can support their organisation.

In Manchester, we are following the case of the Manchester 10 who are all currently serving prison sentences and were convicted using conspiracy laws, relying heavily on racist gang narratives, read more here, Unfortunately there are many cases across the UK, which JENGbA will refer to during the meeting.

We are opening up this meeting to all UK Amnesty groups and members and will be pleased to welcome anyone who is able to join us. Please email hazelerrey@gmail.com if you would like the joining link, which will be sent out nearer the time.

Further information from AIUK

Full details of AIUK's update for local groups can be viewed via this browser link.

December 2023 Updates

Amnesty International

Glasgow West Local Group

Meeting held on 14th December 2023

Present: Claire (Chair), Mhairi, Merle, Han, Sophie, Christine, Kirstie, Neil, Carol, Andrew, Clare, Cara (and Ophelia!).

Apologies submitted: Mal, Cait, Fatma and Jean.

Welcome

Claire welcomed everyone to the meeting, particularly Cara, who was attending her first meeting.

As this was the last meeting of 2023, there would be a shortened agenda, with the main focus being on writing cards and letters as part of the Write for Rights campaign. Christine was thanked for bringing along mulled wine, whilst various members had provided home baking, chocolates, etc.

Minutes of meeting held on 9th November 2023 and Matters Arising

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed, with no matters arising.

Brian Donnelly's old AI material

Brian Donnelly had been a local AI activist in Glasgow for many years, but had died in 2022. Stephen Curran of Relics Antiques in Ruthven Lane, Glasgow had contacted our Group secretary (Andrew), who subsequently met with Brian's widow and was given a box and a bag of old AI materials, from Brian's time as the local AI Group secretary. The vast majority of this material covered the 1970s / 1980s and comprised routine correspondence (from pre internet / email era), such as letters arranging meetings, booking venues, etc. However, there was also a number of interesting AI documents, campaign leaflets, etc. Andrew had brought these along to this meeting for Group members to review / borrow. After the meeting, the material was placed in one of the AI plastic boxes in the church hall storage cupboard, should anyone wish to review it further in the future.

Write for Rights

The annual Write for Rights event had taken place at Hillhead Library on Sunday 10th December 2023 (Human Rights Day) and was a success.

There had been input at the Sunday event from a range of colleagues from both the Glasgow West and Glasgow Daytime Groups.

In order to further add to the cards and letters from the library event, Group members spent this evening writing further cards and letters.

Last year's event resulted in 118 cards / letters being sent. This year, the total was 101 (the latter figure was subsequently provided by Kirstie following this meeting).

Urgent Actions

Merle circulated information relating to a number of Urgent Actions and members were invited to respond to them following the meeting:-

Other Urgent Actions can also be accessed via AIUK's Urgent Actions link and individual Group members may also wish to follow up on these. https://www.amnesty.org.uk/urgent-actions

ACTION – All to consider responding to the AI Urgent Action appeals

AIUK Local Groups' Update

As usual, a summary of the latest AIUK Local Groups' Update had been circulated with the meeting notice.

Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting will take place on Thursday 11th January 2024, 7.30pm - 9pm @ Woodlands Methodist Church, 229 Woodlands Road, G3 6LW.

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

Thank you to AMG for providing 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 AI 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 update includes:

• Details of our forthcoming November 2023 meeting
• An update from AI on the current situation within Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
• A brief report on our Group's recent meeting with a AIUK country volunteer lead for Russia
• Excerpts from and a link to AIUK's most recent update for local AI groups
• Minutes of our local Group meeting held last month
• A note of our local Group's meeting dates for 2023

November 2023 Glasgow West AI Group Meeting

Thursday 9th November, Woodlands International Methodist Church, 7:30pm

The next Glasgow West Amnesty meeting takes place on Thursday 9th November 2023 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 activities for the November meeting include:

• Guest Speaker - Daniel Gilius from Muslim Engagement and Development (MEND) will lead a discussion/workshop on Islamophobia Awareness;

• Planning the Glasgow AI local Groups' annual ‘Write for Rights' event, which will take place on Sunday 10th December 2023 within Hillhead Library, Byres Road, Glasgow between 12pm – 5pm; and

• Undertaking letter writing in response to recent Urgent Actions alerts from AIUK.

Extract Of Local Groups' Updates From AIUK

Full details of AIUK's update for local groups can be viewed via this browser link.

This month's update from AIUK includes the following:

Crisis in Gaza, the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel

Amnesty International has provided an update on the crisis in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (IOPT).

As the situation is so fast moving, Amnesty is publishing the latest developments via publications on the press releases page of the AIUK website.

Further details can also be found on AIUK's IOPT Campaign page.

Since the start of the current crisis in IOPT, members of the AI Glasgow West Group have participated in various vigils and gatherings within Glasgow.

We are horrified by the escalating crisis for civilians in Gaza, the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and Israel. Amnesty International is issuing an urgent call for an immediate ceasefire by all parties in the occupied Gaza Strip and Israel.

If you want to write to your MP, you can take from our key calls or press releases. And you can take our urgent action calling for the Israeli military to rescind their evacuation order against Gaza hospitals.
Take action now.

Human Rights in Russia – Guest Speaker at Recent Glasgow AI Groups' meeting

The Glasgow AI Groups hosted a discussion in October, which was led by Iona Fletcher, who has recently taken up the role as an AIUK Volunteer Co-ordinator for Russia.

Iona spoke about her role, working alongside AIUK's country co-ordinator team. Iona is a Russian national, with family living in Russia, though she herself has lived in Scotland for several years. She has had a long-standing involvement in human rights issues concerning Russia.

Iona provided details on a number of live cases that AIUK is currently supporting, including Russian artist and musician Aleksandra ‘Sasha' Skochilenko, the opposition leader Aleksei Navalny and the prominent journalist and political activist Vladimir Kara-Murza. Iona also spoke more generally about protecting the right to protest within Russia.

She indicated that there has been an estimated 20,000 individual protesters placed under arrest / detention in Russia since the invasion of Ukraine. She noted that the AI office in Russia has been closed due to safety concerns, so there is no direct official, permanent AI presence within the country.

A wide-ranging discussion and Q&A session followed Iona's presentation, with members of both the Glasgow West and Glasgow Daytime Groups in attendance at the event.

The Chair thanked Iona for her input to the meeting and for providing a thought-provoking insight into the many Human Rights challenges in Russia.

Digital Campaign Training for AI activists

Weds 15 November: 5:30-7pm (Online)

The objectives of this training are to help you gain a better understanding of digital mobilisation, explore different tactics for mobilising supporters online, and apply those tactics to achieve your campaign objectives.

This training is designed for those who have a foundational knowledge of digital tools and platforms and are looking to enhance their skills in the area of digital mobilisation. If you are interested sign up here.

Anti-racism and human rights course for AI activists

Racism is deeply rooted in the structures of our society. Challenging these structures and the ideologies that support them is key to human rights progress. This short course has been created as a first step for anyone who wants to learn about racism and its relation to and impact on human rights in the UK and around the world. It will help you to understand and confront racism, discrimination, inequality and disempowerment.

Click this link to access the course or find the rest of our courses here.

Amnesty Christmas Raffle

Enter the AIUK Christmas Raffle and grab your chance to feel like a winner! How would you spend £5,000? That's what's up for grabs when we draw the raffle in December.
Tickets cost just £2 and with every ticket you buy, you're speaking up for humanity.

Buy your raffle tickets online today for your chance to experience that winning feeling, and you could help more people like unfairly imprisoned Taner Kılıç walk free!

Upcoming dates

4th Nov 10am - AIUK National Conference 2023 - Free online tickets here

9th Nov 6pm - Young Human Rights Journalists panel event - Sign up here

10th Dec - Human Rights Day, 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

10th Dec (12pm – 5pm) - AI Glasgow Groups' Write for Rights event, which will be held in Hillhead Library, Byres Road, Glasgow

Further information from AIUK

Full details of AIUK's update for local groups can be viewed via this browser link.

Freedom From Torture – Comedy Fundraising Event

The organisation Freedom From Torture (FfT) has asked us to share information on its forthcoming fundraising event Amnesty members. The Comedy event for FfT is being held at The Stand Comedy Club, Glasgow on Sunday 12th November 2023.

Tickets cost £12 / £10. Further information is available from The Stand website.

(*Please note, whilst this is not an Amnesty International event, it is a very worthwhile cause!)

Updates from October 2023

Amnesty International

Glasgow West Local Group

Meeting held on 12th October 2023

Present: Claire (Chair), Merle, Christine, Kirstie, Neil, Carol, Cait, Mal, Jim McGrath and Andrew. Guest speaker – Iona Fletcher, AIUK Russia Volunteer Co-ordinator.

Apologies submitted: Silvia, Mal, Jean, Fatma, Han, Sophie and Jim Gillies.

Welcome

Claire welcomed everyone to the meeting, particularly Cait, who was attending our Group for the first time.

Claire circulated hard copies of the meeting agenda.

Minutes of meeting held on 14th September 2023 and Matters Arising

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed and any matters arising were included in this month's agenda.

Guest Speaker – Iona Fletcher, AIUK Volunteer Co-ordinator for Russia

Claire introduced Iona to speak about her role as one of AIUK's volunteer co-ordinator for Russia.

Iona indicated that she has been in this role for the past three months, working with AIUK's country co-ordinator team, but that she had a long-standing involvement in human rights issues concerning Russia. Iona is a Russian national, with family living in Russia, though she herself has lived in Scotland since 2015.

Iona circulated information sheets and provided details on a number of live cases that AIUK is currently supporting, namely Russian artist and musician Aleksandra ‘Sasha' Skochilenko, the opposition leader Aleksei Navalny and the prominent journalist and political activist Vladimir Kara-Murza. Iona also spoke more generally about protecting the right to protest within Russia.

She indicated that there has been an estimated 20,000 individuals put under arrest / detention in Russia since the invasion of Ukraine. The AI office in Russia has been closed due to safety concerns, so there is no direct official AI presence within the country.

A wide-ranging discussion and Q&A session followed Iona's presentation.

Claire thanked Iona for her input to the meeting and for providing a thought-provoking insight into the many Human Rights challenges in Russia.

Finance Update

Kirstie provided an update on recent transactions on the Group's finances, noting that there was a current balance of £595.37.

Kirstie invited colleagues to claim travel expenses for attending the meeting.

Social Media Update

In Silvia's absence, there was no social media update provided at the evening, although activities had been continuing, including promoting our guest speaker and also highlighting the request from Freedom from Torture to advertise its forthcoming Comedy evening fundraiser, which takes place on 12th November 2023.

ACTION – Silvia to continue to further develop our Group's social media presence.

Lift the Ban

It was noted that there would be an opportunity for members of our Group to join with Lift the Ban (LTB) colleagues to take part in promoting LTB to local businesses at a future ‘street walk' awareness raising event – date tbc.

ACTION - Fatma

MEND (Muslim Engagement and Development)

Claire advised that she had attended a meeting on 25th September with representatives of the Dundee, Perth and Edinburgh AI Groups. This had included discussion of options for a potential joint Amnesty-MEND event during November, which had been designated ‘Islamophobia Awareness Month'.

Claire spoke to Thea from AIUK on getting agreement for an AI Glasgow West logo to be added to the MEND website, highlighting our Group as a ‘supporter' of MEND's work.

ACTION - Claire

We will also share relevant MEND social media posts via our own social media during November – ACTION Silvia

Claire will liaise with AI Glasgow University Group to ask if they wish to put up MEND posters, etc within the university (e.g. library).

ACTION - Claire

We will invite MEND to provide a speaker for our November meeting to lead a discussion.

ACTION – Claire

We will invite members of the Daytime Group and University Group to join us to hear the MEND Guest speaker.

ACTION – Claire

Glasgow Daytime Group members' update on Forthcoming Exhibition

Carol and Jim provided an update on a forthcoming exhibition of political cartoons that had been produced by a Daytime Group member, spanning several decades. The cartoons were extremely high quality and will be displayed in the Mitchell Library at a date tbc. It was noted that there was also a need to find a suitable permanent home for the collection.

Members of the group expressed their interest in attending and asked the Daytime Group members to keep us advised of the exhibition date, once it had been agreed.

ACTION – Carol / Jim McG / (Meredith)

Write for Rights Event

Kirstie has been liaising with Hillhead Library and has agreed a date and time of 12noon – 5pm on Sunday 10th December 2023 (Human Rights Day) for the annual Write for Rights event. It was agreed that it would be beneficial if this could, once again, be run as a joint event between the three Glasgow-based AI Groups. Andrew will continue to liaise with the Daytime and University Groups on this.

Thirty Write for Rights booklets have been requested from Thea in AIUK, along with any relevant posters, or other publicity materials that may be available.

Preparation for the event will be considered further at our next meeting in November – and with the secretaries of the other Glasgow AI Groups.

ACTION – Kirstie / Andrew / Claire

Public Liability Certificate

It was noted that the September 2023 Local Updates report from AIUK contained a downloadable Public Liability Insurance document, which could be used by local AIUK for any event they were hosting.

Urgent Actions

Merle circulated information relating to Urgent Actions in Iran, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and members were invited to respond to them following the meeting.

Urgent actions can also be accessed via AIUK's Urgent Actions link, and individual Group members may wish to follow up on these.

The Daytime Group members attending (Carol and Jim McG) described the way their Group organised Urgent Actions, with individuals preparing letters in advance of their meetings and meeting attendees then adding their signatures.

ACTION – All to consider responding to the Urgent Action appeals

AIUK Local Groups' Update

A summary of the latest AIUK Local Groups' Update was circulated with the meeting notice and Claire briefly highlighted some of the issues covered, including:

• Anti-racism and human rights course: This short course has been created as a first step for anyone who wants to learn about racism and its relation to and impact on human rights in the UK and around the world. It will help you to understand and confront racism, discrimination, inequality and disempowerment.

• Amnesty Christmas Raffle: £5,000 prize. Tickets £2

• Letter to editor on refugees' rights: Please share this template letter to editors on Refugees and Migrants rights issues with your local media.

• Amnesty UK National Conference 2023 - 10am – 7:30pm, 4 November 2023; London & livestreamed online. Free! Workshops & speakers. Book here.

• School requests for talks on Human Rights & Amnesty: the Amnesty Speaker programme closed in 2021. However, if there are requests from schools for talks about AI's work, local activists have access to a number of useful resources. If you require any other support or have any questions you can contact the AI education team at: hre@amnesty.org.uk.

• Activism Representatives: AIUK is still looking for voluntary lead activists to coordinate and support local Amnesty groups across the UK: Find out more here

• 2023 Priority Campaigns: Priority Campaigns

• Amnesty training e.g. Delivering human rights education and Anti-Racism and Human Rights

Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting will take place on Thursday 9th November 2023, 7.30pm - 9pm @ Woodlands Methodist Church, 229 Woodlands Road, G3 6LW.

Mal noted his apologies for the next meeting.

2023 Meeting Dates

New Members very welcome!

The Group meets every 2nd Thursday 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 12th January 2023

• Thursday 9th February 2023

• Thursday 9th March 2023

• Thursday 13th April 2023

• Thursday 11th May 2023

• Thursday 8th June 2023

• Thursday 13th July 2023

• Thursday 10th August 2023

• Thursday 14th September 2023

• Thursday 12th October 2023

• Thursday 9th November 2023

• Thursday 14th December 2023

BETTER TO LIGHT A CANDLE THAN CURSE THE DARKNESS