Minutes of Group Meeting September 12th 2016

Attending: Paul, Carolyn, Phyllis, Fionnula, Grainne, Beatrice, Patrick, Antonella, Claudia, Lynsey, Pearse

Apologies: Liz, Leo, Heiko

Welcome: Carolyn welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Good News:  Carolyn advised on the good news story of the release of Belen, an Argentinian woman jailed after suffering a miscarriage.

Refugee Campaign: Paul advised the 2 year campaign is being launched on 17th September. There will be an “I Welcome Refugees” demo at Stormont on 19th September  led by NICRAS & Amnesty. Paul advised the aims of the campaign include working to stop traffickers, ensure safer routes and better support when refugees arrive in Europe.

Upcoming events: Culture Night Belfast 16th September. Amnesty will have a presence & will be inviting people to look through 3d glasses showing scenes of Syria to raise awareness.

October meeting 10th October. Guest speaker, Norma Ncube will be speaking to the group about asylum seekers & destitution.  More details to follow.

Amnesty International Annual Lecture  20th October 2016. Yvette Cooper “Fixing the Refugee Crisis.”  More details to follow.

Skill Share on Refugee Crisis 22/23 October in York & 26/27 November in London.

Write for Rights: Helen & Paul have been in contact about organising the location for Write for Rights. More details to follow.

Fundraising: Carolyn will advise further on the fundraising walk & possible pub quiz linking up with QUB group. More details to follow.

Edward Snowden update: Claudia advises the American Civil Liberties Union are campaigning to have Edward Snowden included in the people pardoned by President Obama when he leaves office. Claudia will forward the link from the AI website.

Regional Rep Vacancy: Grainne has had to stand down as NI regional rep. Grainne explained the role including the governance, working with local groups, organising the NI conference. Grainne is available to speak to anyone who may be interested in applying for the role. The group thanked Grainne for all her work in this role & for organising such a vibrant & informative NI Conference this year.

Comments from ANC member: Patrick advised he spoke to a member of the ANC at St Mary’s Feile who thanked Amnesty for all their work & support.

Action of the Month: The group wrote letters for Japanese Death Row Prisoner Matsumoto Kenji.