Manchester Amnesty Weekly Action and News 

Please do these actions and make a difference.  

ACTION 1 

Ukraine: Tell the UK Prime Minister to help people fleeing Ukraine. Although the UK government has committed to providing sanctuary to some of the people fleeing Ukraine, its response has been slow, chaotic and insufficient.  We must act now – civilians who have fled Russia's invasion and those who remain in Ukraine cannot wait any longer. Please use the link to sign the petition: 

https://www.amnesty.org.uk/Actions/UkraineCrisis?utm_campaign=MCFR1024S_Local%20_groups_Apr22&utm_content=102875&utm_source=amnestyuk&utm_medium=email
 

ACTION 2 

Singapore: Hangings have resumed in Singapore for drug related offences, after Abdul Kahar bin Othman was executed on 30 March.  It is feared that several other hangings will follow as appeals have recently been rejected for Malaysian national Nagaenthran Dharmalingam and others.  Please follow the link below to email the Singapore Prime Minister urging him to commute all death sentences & abolish the use of the death penalty in Singapore.

https://www.amnesty.org.uk/urgent-actions/executions-resume-more-may-follow
 

Manchester Amnesty's next  group meeting: Monday May 9th, 7pm

If you’re interested in joining the fight against erosion of human rights in the UK, don’t miss Amnesty International UK’s Tom Southerden at our next online group meeting on Monday 9^th May just one day ahead of the Queen’s Speech, which may reveal more detail around the Government’s intent in this area.  If you are unable to attend the meeting but would like to get involved with our campaigning on Human Rights in the UK, please contact Matthew Sherwood (contact details below).

Events 

• Freedom from Torture (Manchester support group): Sponsored Litter Pick: Saturday 7th May (flyer attached)
• Manchester Climate Justice Summit, 15^th May, 12-5pm, Manchester University Students Union, Oxford Road. Organised by Manchester Cop26 and the Campaign against Climate Change Trade Union group. More details and sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/manchester-climate-justice-summit-tickets-298689035947 

Manchester Amnesty Subgroups 

If you would like to join any of our subgroups, please contact the current convenors. 

UAE – Kathryn Fletcher, bussk@btinternet.com. next meeting 30th May, 6.30pm, Zoom

HR in UK – Matthew Sherwood, m.j.sherwood@outlook.com, next meeting TBA. 

Anti-racism – Hazel Errey, hazelerrey@gmail.com, next meeting 16^th May, 6.30pm, Zoom 

Refugees – Alison Wearden, alison.wearden@gmail.com, next meeting 8^th May (TBC) 

Craftivism - Kathryn Fletcher bussk@btinternet.com.  next meeting 8th May, 2pm, Manchester Art Gallery

Good news 

UK: The UK Government’s own human rights watchdog has published 29 pressing recommendations to ensure human rights in the UK are fully upheld and respected. The Equality & Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has also stressed its absolute opposition to any Government dilution of fundamental freedoms through reform or repeal of the Human Rights Act. Read EHRC’s recommendations in full at https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/our-work/news/britain%E2%80%99s-human-rights-record-reviewed-ahead-un-examination 

UK: Priti Patel's pushback policy has been officially withdrawn by the government:   https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/apr/25/uk-refugee-pushback-policy-withdrawn-judicial-review-priti-patel

YEMEN: Cardiff man, Luke Symons has been released from detention in Yemen after being held without trial for 5 years.

https://www.amnesty.org.uk/press-releases/ukyemen-huge-relief-british-man-luke-symons-released-yemen-jail-after-five-torturous

Alison Wearden 

Communications Secretary 

Manchester Group of Amnesty International 

alison.wearden@gmail.com 

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.