Edinburgh International Book Festival 2018

A guest blog written by Amnesty International Scotland volunteer, Hannah Buchan.

‘Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.’  

- Article 19, The UN Declaration of Human Rights

Freedom of speech and expression is a right that we often take for granted in the UK. Worldwide, private citizens and journalists alike are imprisoned for acting upon the right to have an opinion, an identity, as it does not align with what their governments perceive as an acceptable point of view.

The Imprisoned Writers Series focuses on the stories of those whose right to freedom of speech and expression has been violated, and as a result they have been incarcerated, or are otherwise unable to speak out in person.

Each day, the series introduces a new theme with texts that are complementary to the day’s theme, as well as a variety of guest readers and chairs. This year, themes include Women’s Rights in 2018, Mental health and LGBTQ+ Discrimination, and Immigration. The texts that we have chosen not only represent the experience of the people that wrote them, but of many others who dare to rebel against their governments and societies, for the betterment of Human Rights.

Notable authors who have read for Amnesty International include Iain Banks, David Almond and Scottish PEN Writer, Jenni Fagan. Both Almond and Fagan are returning to the festival this year, with Fagan chairing on our ‘Writers at Risk’ segment on August 15^th, and Almond reading for our ‘Living Through Conflict’ segment on August 24^th.

The Imprisoned Writers Series reminds us that behind every refugee, every prisoner, every victim, there is a name and a story. What we witness on the news, or read about online, distracts us from the fact that we are all human beings that deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of our beliefs, race, gender, sexuality or ability. It reminds us of our privilege, the things we take for granted in Britain, and how we can help to bring justice for those who deserve it.

We invite you to join us for one of the most important events at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, providing you with the opportunity to learn more about Human Rights from our wonderful line-up of readers.

You can also download the handouts for each day below. These give a brief introduction to the readings and readers, and include a call to action from Amnesty International. 

Dates and More Information

11th August - Women’s Rights in 2018

For tickets contact the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

12^th August - Living in Limbo: Immigration

For tickets contact the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

13^th August - Families Forced Apart

For tickets contact the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

14th August - The Power of Fiction

For tickets contact the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

15^th August - Writers at Risk

For tickets contact the Edinburgh International Book Festival. 

16^th August - #Blacklivesmatter

For tickets contact the Edinburgh International Book Festival. 

17^th August - LGBTQ+ State of Mind

For tickets contact the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

18^th August - Freedom from Torture

For tickets contact the Edinburgh International Book Festival. 

19^th August - Women Empowering Women

For tickets contact the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

20^th August - Human Rights Defenders

For tickets contact the Edinburgh International Book Festival. 

21^st August - Putin’s Power

For tickets contact the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

22^nd August - Showing Solidarity

For tickets contact the Edinburgh International Book Festival. 

23^rd August - Forced Confessions

For tickets contact the Edinburgh International Book Festival. 

24^th August - Living Through Conflict

For tickets contact the Edinburgh International Book Festival. 

25^th August - Turkey: Erdogan’s Crackdown

For tickets contact the Edinburgh International Book Festival. 

26^th August - Faith in the Future

For tickets contact the Edinburgh International Book Festival.