W4R is Amnesty International’s annual campaign, sending greetings cards to prisoners of conscience, their families and other human rights defenders around the world. In 2019, more than 6.5 million messages of support and appeal letters were sent during the W4R campaign. They made a big difference to the people and communities confronting injustice and facing human rights violations.
We had two successful W4R events, at Moordown Community Centre and Bournemouth Library. Thanks, especially, to the library for being so welcoming and letting us set up in their upstairs entrance, rather than the downstairs foyer.
Its not too late to take part; please download the 2022 W4R booklet and send cards to those imprisoned for their beliefs – most for taking part in or supporting protests, such as Russian Sasha Skochilenko. She decided to peacefully protest by replacing price tags in her local supermarket with small labels carrying information about the the war in Ukraine. She faces 10 years in prison
http://email.amnestyuk.org.uk/c/1OlbWu8msw3ojtXlj66oveoQfN

Many thanks to everyone who came to our Quiz Night, We had a full house and raised over £320. Special thanks to the Brunswick for the giving us a great venue, for free; David Rogers for setting the questions and Sally Hawsworth for being the hostess.

If anyone wants a copy of the questions for their own quiz nights, please get in touch.

AmnesTea

In June, at the start of Refugee week, Lucy Freeman hosted another AmnesTea at her home in Southbourne. This was an excuse to drink tea, eat cake and but some of the many donated books. Like Bourne Free, this was the first for a few years. But the weather was kind and we raised £100. Many thanks to Lucy for hosting (and doing alot of baking!) and everyone who turned up and donated.

Bourne Free

We had doubts. Having attended successful Bourne Free’s in the Lower Gardens for 5 years until the pandemic hit, we were surprised at the move to Meyrick Park. Also that it was no longer a free event and it would cost £20 for anyone to access the site. We knew at least one local charity had decided against attending because of this.

But the organisers knew what they were doing. It was them who wanted the large expanse of Meyrick Park – and the crowds flocked in. With an afternoon and evening of live entertainment, plus many stalls and other attractions, you could argue that £20 was good value.

The weather was dry and very hot. There was a constant steam of people passing our stall, many stopped to have a “Love is a Human Right” selfie or a sticker. But we got many to sign our petitions – 190 signatures. These were for the release of Zahra Sedishi-Hamadani  and Yulia Tsvetkova

An Iranian gender nonconforming human rights defender Zahra Sedighi-Hamadani, known as Sareh, has been arbitrarily detained in Urumieh, West Azerbaijan province, since 27 October 2021 due to her real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity as well as her social media posts and statements in defence of LGBTI rights.

Feminist activist and artist Yulia Tsvetkova, who was charged with “disseminating pornography” for creating body-positive illustrations of female sexual organs, a crime punishable by up to six years in prison, At the time of Bourne Free her trial was in progress. On 15th July she was acquitted of these absurd charges. It has since been reported that Russian prosecutors have now appealed that decision.

Thanks to everyone who supported us today at Bournemouth Library. It is more challenging trying to engage with passing members of the public whilst wearing a mask, but we got a very positive response. It was quieter than 2 years ago, as there were no other events at the library, and understandably fewer choosing to visit with the new mask  restrictions applying.

Many thanks to the library staff for their help in facilitating this event, ensuring everything was in place for us, and then individually showing interest in the campaign and signing cards.