Welcome our the latest newsletter. Our next meeting is on 8th September 2016, 7.30 at Moordown Community Centre. On the agenda – an update on Case files (see below); stall publicity (please see ideas if coming to the meeting); planning.
Please note that we are not overloading the newsletter with links out, as that does appear to affect distribution. But do check out our blog where there will be more details on some of the items listed below, plus a “take action” section, just updated, our case file letters and links to the action pages of several national AI sections.
Jorge Lázaro Samba Nunes dos Santos
Jorge Lazaro Samba Nunes dos Santos
The group are working on two case files at present; these are AI actions that focus on one individual or situation. This long term narrow focus ensures a constant pressure on authorities to take action.
We have been writing to authorities in Bahia State, Brazil on behalf of Jorge Lázaro for about 18 months now.
Two of his seven children have been murdered. Jorge Lázaro has been under huge pressure since the first murder in 2008 : he is seeking justice for the killings of his sons, trying to keep himself and his family safe, and providing necessary minimum living conditions such as a home and food.
To add to the tragedy of two murdered sons, on July 10th 2016 Jorge’s youngest son, Denilson was shot whilst walking home. Luckily Denilson survived and is currently recovering.
There are downloadable letters you can adapt on our “take action” page.There is also a link so you can send him a message of support via AIUK.
South America Newsletter
The August Edition is currently on our blog. We will upload the September edition over the next 24 hours.
National Refugees Welcome march London September 17th
Last September, the image of little Alan Kurdi’s body on a Turkish beach horrified the world. 100,000 marched in London in response to tell the UK government that we want to welcome refugees. Public pressure makes a difference – that same week, the government agreed to resettle 20,000 Syrian refugees. But since then, thousands more terrified and desperate people have lost their lives trying to reach safety.
The Refugees Welcome march in London is taking place on September 17th, two days before a major United Nations meeting in New York. Amnesty’s priority for September is to make the national Refugees Welcome march as large and vibrant as possible. Please try to attend if you can! More details here
Human Rights Act
We have frequently flagged up concerns re the current Governments intention to get rid the Human Rights Act. This protects the fundamental rights we all have as human beings, and allows us to challenge the authorities if they violate them. With the current Government personnel changes, there is a renewed effort from A.I.U.K. to bring this threat to everyone’s attention. Please go to their home page and sign the petition…
http://savetheact.uk/#signup-form
Say No to Racism
In recent weeks, reports of hate crimes in the UK have increased. Fuelled by years of hostile rhetoric, coupled with divisive campaigns, we are now seeing racism and xenophobia on the rise on our streets and in our communities. On the A.I.U.K. website there is a page where you insert your postcode and it creates an email to your local councillors! This asks them to table a motion condeming this behaviour. Have a go…
https://www.amnesty.org.uk/actions/tell-your-local-council-stand-against-hate-crimes-racism-xenophobia
Bric-a-Brac
In the past we held many stalls at Trade Union Conferences when they visited Bournemouth, plus we had our own Garden Party. Times have changed, but as reported above, Ted and May still turn out at a variety of Fairs and Carnivals – such as in Winton, Boscombe and now Muscliff Funday!
So if you have any jewellery (even broken), scarves, handbags (particularly evening), books, bric-a-brac or other knick-knacks in any condition that you wish to donate, please let May Stevens know (01202) 510886. They can collect.