Write 4 Rights (W4R)

W4R is Amnesty International’s annual campaign, sending greetings cards to prisoners of conscience, their families and other human rights defenders around the world.  Worldwide several million messages of support and appeal letters are now sent during a W4R campaign. They made a big difference to the people and communities confronting injustice and facing human rights violations.
One case featured is forensic medicine expert and human rights defender Professor Şebnem Korur Fincancı. She has dedicated her life to eradicating torture and defending human rights. Trying to silence her, the Turkish authorities have subjected Şebnem to baseless criminal investigations. In 2023, she was convicted for allegedly “making propaganda for a terrorist organization” after she had called for an investigation into allegations that the Turkish military was using chemical weapons in Iraq. Şebnem is appealing against her conviction but could be imprisoned for almost two years if unsuccessful. More comprehensive details, a sample appeal letter and links are on our website.
We have decided not to have a stall in the library this year. As well as signing cards at our meeting on 5th December, we will also be at St Johns Church, Vicarage Road,  Moordown on 8th December (after service,11.15am). Also at the Social Canteen at the Garden Rooms Café, 118 Haviland Road, Boscombe on Friday 13th December, 5 – 7pm.
Another person featured in the W4R campaign is  Argentinian Joel Paredes. See the video about him below and read comprehensive details, a sample appeal letter and links on our site.
https://amnestyat50.co.uk/write-for-rights-2024

Autumn Quiz

Many thanks to everyone who came to our Quiz Night, We had a great evening and raised £300. Special thanks to the Brunswick again for giving us a great venue, for free. Also David Rogers for setting the questions and Sally Hawksworth for being the hostess.
Read more about the event and download  all 70 questions (and answers!). Do you know on which television show Simon Cowell made his debut – as a contestant? Can you name two members of Coldplay? What was the bestselling book in the UK, 2023? Which city is furthest north – Lincoln, Liverpool or Leeds? Who are the two women below?

South America Newsletter

The latest South America Newsletter has updates on Peru, Colombia, Argentina, Venezuela, Chile, Brazil, Paraguay and Ecuador. In Brazil the trial has started of two former military police officers who have confessed to the murder of Marielle Franco and Anderson Gomes. As a group we have campaigned for justice since their murders 6 years ago; they featured in 2018’s W4R. Whilst an important step, Amnesty International have stated true justice will only be achieved when “those responsible for the crime, including its masterminds, as well as all those responsible for any deviations and obstructions of the investigations, are also brought to justice.”
https://amnestyat50.co.uk/south-america-newsletter-november-2024

Jamnesty

After lasts years success, we are holding another Jamnesty on

Saturday 7th September at Chaplin’s Bar

Last year was our first Jamnesty, but we still had a fantastic day with 11 bands and 6 poets – and we raised over £1600! This year we don’t have to contend with the Air Show and can build on what worked best last year. Cakes will again feature – please get in touch if you would like to make/donate some.  Details of the performers, etc are on our Events page. Please contact us if you would like to help on the day.

Please write to your Member of Parliament

Apologies to those living in Christchurch, but most of you are still getting used to having a new MP.  And, hopefully, one with a much more progressive outlook than the person they replaced. Our group last met on election day, so we will discuss how to build relationships with the new MPs at our next meeting.
But as an Amnesty International supporter you can help. Let your MP know you want them to commit to supporting and defending human rights in this country and internationally. You can download this pre-forma letter to edit and send. Please personalise as much as you can.
If you are not sure of your MP, check here- https://www.theyworkforyou.com/ – you can also send them a message via this site. But some of us still believe posting a letter has more impact. MPs do reply!
Still write if your MP hasn’t changed – lets remind Sir Christopher that many of his constituents don’t share his views on the treatment of refugees…
https://amnestyat50.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Template-for-post-election-letter-to-MP.docx

South America Newsletter

The latest South America Newsletter has updates on Colombia, Argentina, Peru, Paraguay, Venezuela, Chile, Ecuador and Brazil. This was published just after the election in Venezuela, and there already there were protests as President Maduro claimed victory. Now the  authorities have carried out mass arbitrary arrests of demonstrators. Over two thousand people were arrested for protesting or being seen as critical of the government. Most of the detainees are young people, including at least 105 aged between 13 and 17. At least 16 people with disabilities, such as visual or hearing impairments, remain in detention. Credible allegations of incommunicado detention and denial of legal counsel persist, leading to a high risk of ill-treatment and torture. Please act on this Amnesty Urgent Action (its a letter, but you can email it), urging the authorities to release all those detained for exercising their rights.
https://amnestyat50.co.uk/south-america-newsletter-august-2024
https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/amr53/8396/2024/en/