Manchester Amnesty Weekly Action and News 07/02/2025
Manchester Amnesty Weekly Action and News
Please do this action and make a difference
The government has recently published a new Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill which will receive its second reading in parliament next week. The bill creates several new offences relating to border security, repeals some aspects of the Illegal Migration Act 2023 but fails to protect victims of modern slavery or trafficking, and contains little that would make the UK asylum system more just and effective. It is therefore important that we keep speaking out in support of a fair asylum system.
Manchester Amnesty supports Together With Refugees Fair Begins Here campaign. Each year Together with Refugees has an orange hearts campaign on Valentine’s Day, 14th February. This year, we are suggesting two simple actions that you could take next week in the run up to Valentines day:
- Send your MP a valentine’s card or a handmade orange heart, demanding that the UK upholds its commitment under international law to the right to claim asylum, that the government provides humane and supportive conditions for refugees and that it ensures fair and rapid decisions on asylum claims. If you don’t want to send a card, you can email your MP with the same messages. Find your MP and their contact details here.
- Make a poster, a piece of art, a toy, or even a cake, with the theme of orange hearts and the message “Fair Begins Here.” Take a photo of yourself with your creation and post it on social media on 14th February or simply send it to your friends and contacts.
Our February Group meeting will be in person at 6pm on Monday 10th February
Third Floor Meeting Room at Manchester Central Library
We are delighted to welcome Dr Haytham Alhamwi, Manager of Rethink Rebuild Society, the Manchester based charity which works to help Syrian and all other refugees to rebuild their lives. Haytham has kindly agreed to talk to us about recent momentous developments in Syria, and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. We will discuss what we as Manchester Amnesty may be able to do to support their work. There will also be updates on our other campaigns.
All are welcome, including new members, and we hope to see many of you there.
Two Amnesty International UK online webinars. All are welcome to attend.
How to Talk about the Prevent Duty
Tuesday, 11th February, 13:00-14:00, register here
Launch of AIUK’s new report on predictive policing technology “Automated Racism”
Thursday, 20th February, 18:30-19:30, register here
***THIS EVENING*** MANCHESTER AMNESTY SILENT VIGIL for Palestine and Israel
St Peters Square, Manchester, Friday 7th February, 5-6pm.
Please do not bring placards, banners or flags.
We will provide placards with Amnesty’s messages, and tea-lights. Feel free to bring your friends.
Non Amnesty events and actions
***FREE EVENT*** At the start of Women’s History Month
The Margaret Ashton Lecture 2025 will celebrate the life of Shena Simon 1883-1972
pioneer in women’s education and rights, with a lecture by Dr Charlotte Wildman.
Saturday March 1st, 1:30-4:00 pm. Mechanics Institute, 103 Princess St., M1 6DD
Organised by Trailblazers, partners include Manchester Labour History Group and Manchester City Archives, plus a Manchester Amnesty stall. All welcome. Register to attend here.
Greater Manchester Friends of Palestine and other organisations
West Bank Under Attack: Rise up against Israel’s Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine
Demonstration, Saturday, 8th February, 12 noon, St. Peter’s Square.
Whalley Range Peace and Justice Stand with Palestine
Each Wednesday 4.30-5.30 at Brooks Bar M16 7RN
Didsbury against genocide, rally, every Wednesday, 5.30-6.30pm outside the Library.
Levenshulme Peace and Justice for Palestine All out for Palestine
Each Thursday, 5-6pm, Levenshulme Village Green, junction of Stockport Rd & Chapel St
Good news
Argentina - On January 21, 2025, the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo announced the recovery of the identity of granddaughter number 139, illegally given up for adoption after their parents, Noemi Macedo and Daniel Inama, two militants of the Communist Party, had been arrested and subsequently disappeared in 1977, during the military dictatorship.
Switzerland - On January 28, 2025, Palestinian journalist Ali Abunimah, director of the "Electronic Intifada" portal, was released from prison after three days of detention for alleged crimes against local law. He had been invited to Switzerland to take part in a conference on the Israeli genocide in the occupied Gaza Strip.
Manchester Amnesty issue and campaign coordinators
Anti-racism –Hazel Errey hazelerrey@gmail.com
Craftivism – Lima Al-Iskalachi limazakoor@gmail.com
Europe/ Turkey Fatih Segmen - fsegmen@yahoo.com
Human Rights in the UK volunteer needed
Individuals at Risk (bi-monthly appeal writing drop ins and Write for Rights in Nov/Dec) please let us know if you are interesting in organising this activity.
Israel's Apartheid Against Palestinians - Mike Reed mikewreed101@gmail.com
LGBTQ+ and Pride – Zoe Song weiyi.zoe.song@gmail.com
Press freedom and Julian Assange – Lima Al-iskalachi limazakoor@gmail.com & Danny Jones dannyj644@gmail.comsu
Refugees Whatsapp group – Alison Wearden alison.wearden@gmail.com
UAE – Kathryn Fletcher bussk@btinternet.com
Our website Manchester | Amnesty International UK [amnesty.org.uk] (managed by Alison Wearden)
X/Twitter @amnestymanc [twitter.com] (managed by Steve Lindsay – stevenjameslindsay@gmail.com)
Facebook Manchester Amnesty Group [facebook.com] MANAGER NEEDED!
Instagram @amnestymanchester [instagram.com] Lucy Downing lucy.dow@outlook.com is looking after this until we can appoint a permanent manager.
Alison Wearden
Communications Secretary
Manchester Group of Amnesty International
Please contact me with items for our Weekly Action and News email, or with ideas for longer articles for the quarterly Manchester Amnesty Group Bulletin.
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