Weekly Actions and News 20/10/2023
Manchester Amnesty Weekly Action and News
Please do these actions and make a difference
Action One
Read the Manchester Amnesty statement on the situation in Israel-Palestine here
Then click the link below to sign a petition calling on the government to remain neutral in the Israel-Palestine conflict and to withdraw support for Israel.
Silent vigil calling for the protection of civilians in Israel and Gaza
St Peters Square, Manchester, Friday 20 October, 5pm to 6pm
Meet in front of Central Library. Look for the Manchester Amnesty yellow banner.
Please wear black and please do not bring your own placards, banners or flags.
Simple placards will be provided bearing these messages:
Hamas: Release all hostages Israel: No collective punishments Protect all civilians Uphold International Law Protect human rights Stop war crimes Ceasefire now
Action Two
Julian Assange is in Belmarsh Prison awaiting a final appeal in the UK courts against an extradition order which has been hanging over him for over a year. If he loses the appeal, he will be vulnerable to immediate extradition to the USA where, according to Amnesty, his rights and safety cannot be guaranteed. The court case is likely to be announced at very short notice.
Join our 'Freedom of Expression with Assange' art project, a collage showcasing support for freedom of expression tied to Julian Assange's case. We're crafting a symbolic seascape featuring Assange's profile, a lighthouse of truth, and a democracy boat, amplifying our quest for justice.
On the day that we hear of the court date, we'll unveil our collage at a vigil in Manchester City Centre.
The second action this week is to email us an image representing freedom of speech and human rights. Not sure what to send? Your submission can be an image, a drawing, a quote from a poem, lyrics from a song, or even a powerful phrase from a book – anything that resonates with your view of freedom and rights. Every contribution matters. To help you envision the final collage, see the image at the top of this post. Email your expression today to Lima Al-Iskalachi at limazakoor@gmail.com, who will also be able to give you more information about the project.
Please note that the craft stall which had been due to take place at the
People’s History Museum on 25th October has been cancelled.
An invitation from the Colwyn Bay Amnesty group.
On Thursday 26th October, Nabila Hanson the China country coordinator, and Paul, the new Hong Kong CC will give a talk on human rights in China and migrant workers’ rights in HK, and at the speakers’ request anyone would be very welcome to attend.
The meeting is in St. Joseph’s Community Centre, Brackley Avenue, Colwyn Bay LL29 7UU starting at 6.45pm, for 1-2 hours. Refreshments provided!
It would be great to see you there, to listen and to question the speakers.
Rethink Rebuild Society is pleased to invite you to
A screening of “The Old Oak” by Ken Loach, followed by open discussion
Wednesday, 1st November at 7.15pm
Rethink Rebuild Society, First Floor, Discovery House, Manchester, SK4 5BH
Run time 1 hr 53 mins,certificate 15, in English
Please book your seat here
The next Acoustic Amnesty gig
will take place on Friday 8th December, 7.30 pm at Sacred Trinity Church
to raise funds for Amnesty and Safe Passage International https://www.safepassage.org.uk/
Tickets available here
WeGotTickets | Simple, honest ticketing | Acoustic Amnesty gig for Safe Passage refugee charity
Good news
Council of Europe / Turkey - On 9 October 2023, Osman Kavala, a Turkish prisoner of conscience sentenced to life imprisonment, was awarded the Vaclav Havel Prize of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, one of the most important international awards for human rights defenders.
United Nations / Sudan - On 11 October 2023, the UN Human Rights Council approved by a majority a resolution establishing an independent international fact-finding mission on Sudan, tasked with investigating human rights violations, collecting and preserving evidence of such violations and identifying those responsible.
Manchester Amnesty issue and campaign coordinators
Anti-racism –Hazel Errey hazelerrey@gmail.com next meeting 4th October, contact Hazel for link
Craftivism – Lima Al-Iskalachi limazakoor@gmail.com
Europe/ Turkey Fatih Segmen - fsegmen@yahoo.com
Human Rights in the UK Lancine Sacko - sacko10@hotmail.co.uk
Individuals at Risk (bi-monthly appeal writing drop ins) - Anne Walker anne.walker9@ntlworld.com
Manchester Central Library café, 2-4pm 4th Saturdays November, January, March, May, July
Israel's Apartheid Against Palestinians - Mike Reed mikewreed101@gmail.com
LGBTQ+ and Pride coordinator – Zoe Song weiyi.zoe.song@gmail.com
Press freedom and Julian Assange – Lima Al-Iskalachi limazakoor@gmail.com
Refugees – Alison Wearden alison.wearden@gmail.com
UAE – Kathryn Fletcher bussk@btinternet.com
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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