Attending: Liz, Paddy, Lydia, Leo, Carolyn, Elisabeth, Roisin, Nikki, Grainne, Heiko, Pearse, Carmel, Beatrice

Apologies: Paul, Claudia, Amy

Welcome: Carolyn welcomed the new people to the meeting.

AGM Feedback: Elisabeth spoke about the recent AGM. Elisabeth advised most resolutions passed with little debate though two resolutions did lead to a lot of debate. The resolution calling on research into AIUK members views on AI moving to a pro choice stance was debated & passed. The other resolution that lead to debate was the resolution calling on AIUK to do more work campaigning against anti-semitism. This was the only resolution not to pass. It was defeated by 6 votes.

Ideas from group members: Elisabeth suggested a workshop to advise how AI works. This was widely supported & to be discussed further.

Heiko suggested more outreach work including at public events that the group hasn’t previously had links with such as the Social Science festival. Grainne suggested at the Mela.

A further suggestion was to have membership forms available to new & exisiting group members. Beatrice to bring these to meetings.

Fundraising cheque for £230 from the pub quiz was given to Pearse.

QUB My Body, My Rights event: Heiko advised it was well attended, interesting & informative. Nikki spoke of her surprise at how restrictive NI abortion laws were compared to USA.

Kate Allen: Carolyn advised Kate Allen has agreed to speak to the group at November meeting.

Actions:

Signed a petition for Dr Mohammed al Roken – the UAE human right lawyer

Signed a postcard for Mahdi Abu Dheeb  - the Bahraini trade union official

Signed a card in solidarity for Jayyus village

Signed letters calling for action in the case of the pregnant 10 year old Paraguay rape victim

Signed a petition for Indonesian Individual at Risk

Upcoming events:

Dealing with the Past at University of Ulster 18^th May 9.30am

Je Suis Charlie Thursday 4 June 2015 Amnesty International 'Je suis Charlie' event at the Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast, @ 19.00, with AINI Regional Director, Patrick Corrigan.

Carmel’s Cottage: Carmel will send the link to Heiko who will put on Facebook.

Regional Rep: The NI Regional Rep position is vacant. Anyone interested was advised to contact Patrick Corrigan or Philip Nye.