Scotland: Scottish pupils challenge apathy accusations

Young people from around Scotland debate human rights issues at Amnesty International Conference.

150 school pupils will gather on Tuesday 17th July at St Aloysius' College, Glasgow,

for the Amnesty International Scotland Youth Conference, demonstrating that far from

being apathetic, young people are keen to debate political and human rights issues and

learn how to campaign effectively.

Keynote speaker, Asif Mohammed Naureen, will talk about the security situation in

Afghanistan, the obstacles to building a human rights culture there, and the problems of

repatriating Afghan refugees.

Young campaigners from twenty different schools, many of whom are members of

Amnesty International, will use the occasion to get more informed about Afghanistan,

and to build on their campaigning skills in order to see what they can do to help.

The conference includes a variety of workshops on other human rights issues, such as

the death penalty, the Arms, street Children's rights and torture. Young people will also be

able to take part in a variety of hands-on skills based workshops, including working

with the media, making posters, and using drama for political change.

Scottish Campaigner Claire Duncanson said:

"Amnesty's Youth Conference gives young people the chance to debate issues

of real importance, such as the Arms and the human rights implications

of war on Iraq. We've had interest from twice as many schools as last year,

indicating how keen young people are to discuss these issues, and to get

involved in campaigning for an end to human rights abuses around the world."

Teachers also are showing increased interest in events such as this, due to the

increasing importance of Education for Citizenship one of the Scottish

Executive's National Priorities for Education. Events such as Amnesty's Youth

Conference help schools reach the goal of Education for Citizenship: enabling

young people to develop the capacity for thoughtful and responsible participation

in political, economic, social and cultural life.

Notes for Editors:

1. The conference is being hosted by the Amnesty International Group at St Aloysius'

College, Glasgow.

2. It takes place on Tuesday 17th June, 03, from 1-4pm and the keynote speech is at

1.15-1.45. Program for the day available on request. Media are welcome at any point

during the day.

3. Teachers, speakers and Amnesty International UK representatives will be available

for comment on the day.

4. Participating schools include:

St Aloysius' College, Glasgow

Drummond High School, Edinburgh

Mearns Castle High School

Clydebank High School

Glasgow Academy

St Andrew's Academy, Paisley

Hillhead High, Glasgow

Chirnside Primary, Berwickshire

Lenzie Academy

Stewarton Academy

St Maurice's High School, Cumbernauld

Our Lady's High, Cumbernauld

Knox Academy, Haddington