Isle of Wight
Welcome to the Isle of Wight Amnesty local group page.
The Amnesty International Isle of Wight Group was founded by Derek Stirman, in 1962. Some of the members who joined in the early years are still active today and together with newer members, they have ensured that the Island Group continues to be effective. Throughout the years, the group has been very successful with fundraising and has donated in excess of £345,000 to the U.K. Section.
Connect with this group
In 1999 the Isle of Wight Group was named “UK Group of the year” for its campaigning and fund raising efforts. In January 2011 it was officially named as the longest serving group in the Southern Region.
There are over 50 local members and supporters and over 200 national members on the Island but the group always welcomes more active members.
We would be pleased to have your support with any of these campaigns. It is not essential to attend the group meetings to take part in our campaigns, as these can be effectively undertaken from home. Full instructions are provided with each action.
You can be sure of a warm welcome at any of our meetings, publicity events or fundraising events.
When we meet
First Friday of each month @ 7:30pm. 21 Watergate Road, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1XP
Who runs this group
Bryn Davis - Chair
Bob Stubbs - Treasurer
Our campaigns
CAMPAIGNING FOR INDIVIDUALS AT RISK
The Isle of Wight Group adopts an "individual at risk" i.e. someone who faces prison, torture, and even death just for their beliefs, race or sexuality. We support him/her with messages of encouragement and appeals to the authorities for his/her release. Where possible, contact is also made with the family.
CAMPAIGNING AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY
Amnesty International is opposed to capital punishment. This form of punishment is not an effective deterrent, and miscarriages of justice cannot be rectified. The Isle of Wight Group campaigns against the death penalty in general and undertakes urgent actions on behalf of prisoners in imminent danger of execution.
WOMEN’S RIGHTS CAMPAIGN
This campaign demands that governments in other countries, and here in the UK, change laws and policies that discriminate against women. The Group urges governments to prevent violence against women.
REFUGEE CAMPAIGN
All refugees and migrants should be treated with the dignity and respect that everyone is entitled, and our immigration and asylum systems should be fair and effective.
LGBTI+ CAMPAIGN
Seeks to achieve full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people in this country and across the world,
COUNTRY AND REGIONAL CAMPAIGNING
Currently we are campaigning on various human rights related issues in North America, the Caribbean and North Africa
WRITE FOR RIGHTS CAMPAIGN Members write cards on behalf of cases featured in Amnesty’s annual campaign. We also take part in the very popular Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival, where our Amnesty tree is adorned with featured cases and visitors can send messages of hope and support to victims of human rights abuses and to those who defend them.
PUBLICITY
The aim is to highlight the violation of human rights both nationally and internationally and to bring to the attention of Islanders the work and programmes of our local group. We send monthly reports for the Isle of Wight County Press and keep in touch with other local media. Regular venues for exhibitions are the libraries, Newport Minster and the Island's college and schools. Talks are given to the VI Form Campus.
In 1989 an oak tree was planted in Ventnor Botanic Garden and dedicated to all prisoners of conscience.
FUNDRAISING
Music concerts, Walk and Tea events and other entertainment combine both fundraising and publicity.