Locked in: an ode to this year's dedicated Scotland student activists

This blog originally featured in the Amnesty Scotland newsletter for activists.

A reflection on the actions and ambitions of Scottish student activists by Omar Saleh, Student Action Network Committee Chair/Scotland Rep 2024-25

Student activism in Scotland 

Students across Scottish universities have long stood at the forefront of the fight for human rights. From organising encampments on campuses to leading campaigns against gender-based violence, Scottish students have consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to justice. Their activism is not only a response to local issues but also a powerful expression of solidarity with struggles around the world. 

In recent years, a key focus for many student groups in Scotland has been urging universities to divest from the arms industry. This movement has seen a surge of bold action—some students have taken to hunger strikes, while others have built encampments to pressure their institutions into accountability. Importantly, these groups have also adopted a global perspective, raising awareness about ongoing humanitarian crises in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and other regions. These campaigns are often led driven by student-led collectives that operate independently of large organisations like Amnesty International UK, underscoring the organic, grassroots nature of much of the activism happening in Scottish universities today. 

Despite their independence, many of these student activists, which includes student Amnesty student groups, also collaborate with Amnesty International UK (AIUK), especially when it comes to funding and campaigning support. One of the most valuable support structures within AIUK is the Student Action Network (STAN)—a committee of ten student representatives from across the UK. Each STAN member holds a specific portfolio—such as LGBTQIA+ rights, anti-racism, or gender justice—and works to represent students on a national level. 

STAN doesn’t just operate nationally; it also builds bridges between local and regional networks. Members of the committee work closely with both student and non-student groups in their respective regions to ensure that activism is supported at every level. This year, I’ve had the honour of serving as both the Scotland representative and the Chair of STAN. In this role, I oversee the work of the committee while also maintaining close contact with Scottish student groups and regional organisers across the country. It’s been the highlight of my activism journey—working with passionate, compassionate people who genuinely want to make the world a better place has been both humbling and inspiring. 

Student activism in Scotland is thriving. Whether it’s calling out institutional complicity in human rights abuses, pushing for gender justice, or standing in solidarity with those facing violence across the world, Scottish students are making their voices heard. And they’re doing so with courage, creativity, and care. As we look to the future, it’s vital that we continue to support and amplify these efforts. Whether through local campaigns or national committees like STAN, the work of students in Scotland is essential to the broader human rights movement. 

Coming together for the STAN Student Festival 2025 

Each year, STAN organises a student festival, bringing together students from all corners of the UK to network, collaborate, and deepen their understanding of human rights issues. This year, we envisioned a festival built on the principle that taking action is just as essential as staying informed. With this in mind, we curated a programme that offered a range of opportunities to learn, reflect, and act. Our festival sessions covered a wide array of topics—from the implications of the Cass Review on transgender healthcare in the UK to workshops on how to be more inclusive and intersectional in activism. We also explored international crises with, including discussions on the environmental destruction in Palestine and Jammu & Kashmir, and broader conversations on global decolonial solidarity. 

The format of the festival was intentionally varied. Some sessions were structured as talks or panels, while others took a more creative approach, including presentations and even an improvisational theatre session aimed at exploring human rights scenarios in engaging and thought-provoking ways. A crucial part of the festival was the networking space it provided. We wanted to make sure students had the time and support to build lasting relationships, both within their regions and across the UK.  

Although Scottish student groups represent a much smaller population compared to regions like London, their presence at the festival was among the strongest. Of the 120 students who attended the festival, around 25% came from Scotland—travelling from places as far-flung as the Highlands down to central London. 

To support regional bonding, we hosted a Scotland-specific networking session during the festival. This one-hour event brought together Scottish students to discuss shared challenges, successes, and aspirations. As the Scotland representative, I facilitated the session, focusing on how Amnesty can better support local activism, how student groups across Scotland can become more interconnected, and how future festivals can be more inclusive of the Scottish context—both geographically and culturally. It was an incredibly affirming space. Many students expressed how rare it is to connect with other Scottish activists at this scale, and the session reinforced just how important these regional check-ins are. 

STAN elections and the future of student activism

A key part of the student festival each year is the announcement of the upcoming STAN elections. These elections determine who will serve on the next STAN committee—students who will go on to shape Amnesty’s student work for the next year. Nominations for the 2025–2026 committee open on the 5th of May and will remain open for several weeks. Any student—whether undergraduate or postgraduate—is eligible to run, as long as they will be a student throughout their term. The process is designed to be open, accessible, and empowering. 

It’s particularly important for Scottish students, especially those from non-Russell group universities, to consider running. Without a Scottish representative on the committee, students in Scotland risk having less tailored support and fewer opportunities for representation within Amnesty’s broader structure. Having that dedicated voice ensures that the unique needs and strengths of Scottish activism are not overlooked. 

If you’re thinking about running—do it! The STAN role is genuinely transformative. You will learn a huge amount about organising, advocacy, and coalition-building, all while growing in confidence and capacity. More importantly, you’ll become part of a network of incredible people working toward a shared vision of justice and human rights.