Student Action Network Committee Elections 2025

The Amnesty Student Action Network (STAN) committee are at the forefront of student activism in the UK, leading campaigns and representing thousands of Amnesty students. 

Each year, the STAN committee are elected by our student network (you!). Each Student Group is eligible to vote in this year's election. 

Please read all the candidate's answers and videos before deciding your group's vote in consultation with your committee and/or members. You can vote once for each officer role. You can read more about the officer roles here.  

Please note some candidates have not submitted videos or photos for personal reasons. This does not reflect on the strength of their application, so please be considerate of this when voting. 

Voting will close at 9am on 18 June 2025.  

If you have any issues with your vote, please email Hannah.Stokes@amnesty.org.uk. 

2025 Candidates

Muhammad Abdul Rehman (he/him)

Queens University Belfast 

 

 

"Hello, my name is Muhammad Abdul Rehman, and I’m applying for the roles of Anti-Racism and Racial Justice Officer, Outreach Officer, and Climate Justice and Sustainability Officer on the STAN Committee. I will be representing Northern Ireland. 

I have always been a passionate human rights activist, currently involved with the Amnesty Society at Queen’s University Belfast. Over the past few years, I have led and participated in many initiatives focused on racial justice, legal empowerment and environmental rights, including my work on highlighting child labour in Pakistan. 

I believe I would be a great fit because I bring experience, commitment and a proven track record of engaging students in meaningful campaigns on the table. I’m deeply committed to creating an inclusive and diverse space where all voices are heard, especially from underrepresented regions and universities. If I am elected, I promise to work hard to amplify student activism and connect local struggles to global justice. Thank you for all of your support." 

Roles applied for:

• Anti-Racism and Racial Justice Officer

• Outreach Officer

• Climate Justice and Sustainability Officer

What issue gets you agitated, and what kind of actions do you want to see students taking on it? 

An issue that deeply agitates me is systemic racism and racial injustice. It frustrates me that racial inequalities exist to this day, across education, employment, healthcare and criminal justice. I would want to see the students proactively addressing racism through meaningful, sustained action. This could include creating campus-wide dialogues that amplify minority voices, challenging racist policies such as Prevent and collaborating with anti-racist networks to foster change. I believe students have the power to mobilise grassroots activism, organise events and campaign effectively to hold institutions accountable. As Anti-Racism and Racial Justice Officer, I'd encourage students to build inclusive communities, actively call out structural racism and implement strategies such as educational workshops. Ultimately, I want student activism to move beyond awareness and drive genuine institutional reforms and build equitable spaces where everyone can thrive regardless of their racial or ethnic background. 

The STAN Committee helps connect local student activism to national and global movements. How would you support student groups in your region to feel part of something bigger? 

As an active member of the Amnesty Society at my university, I understand how important connections and solidarity are for effective activism. To help student groups feel part of larger national and global movements, I'd prioritise on clear and consistent communication, sharing regular updates from Amnesty International UK about campaigns, events and victories. I'd facilitate collaborative regional events, such as workshops, panel discussions and joint campaigns, to create opportunities for different groups to meet and learn from each other. Additionally, I'd foster collective action and emphasise delivering news, such as highlighting impactful student activism through newsletters and social media, to further inspire and reinforce a sense of community. By regularly engaging student groups with Amnesty's global priorities and spotlighting their contributions, I'd help ensure students in my region feel valued, interconnected and actively contribute to human rights movements both nationally and globally. 

What does building a powerful, student-led human rights movement mean to you and how would you contribute to it as part of STAN? 

I believe building a powerful, student-led human rights movement means empowering students to actively shape campaigns, amplify diverse voices and challenge injustice through collective action. It involves creating inclusive spaces where students feel confident to engage, lead and advocate on issues that matter to them. As part of STAN, I would contribute by bringing my passion for racial justice, outreach and climate advocacy, drawing from my experience with Amnesty Society at my university. I would prioritise collaboration between student groups nationwide, helping facilitate workshops, advocacy training and any accessible resource needed to support effective campaigning. Moreover, I'd utilise communication tools and social media to highlight impactful student activism, inspiring others to also engage. By fostering a sense of belonging and collective ownership of Amnesty’s mission, I aim to help build a cohesive, resilient student movement committed to driving meaningful human rights progress both locally and globally. 

 

Ailig Garbh-Dòmhnallach (they/them)

City of Glasgow College 

 

 

“Hi everyone, I'm Ailig from the City of Glasgow College in Scotland, and I'm really enthusiastic about the chance to serve on STAN. My commitment to human rights for everyone drives my desire to empower students to create real change. 

My experience in advocacy for rights comes directly from my involvement in Scottish politics, where I've worked on issues affecting young, queer, and disabled Scots. This has equipped me to effectively mobilise and coordinate action, amplify unheard voices, and have a full understanding of the challenges faced by these communities. I excel at communicating complex issues, and listening to the concerns, worries, and experiences of disenfranchised people. 

While I'm passionate about all three roles, and the various areas they represent, my primary focus is on the Socio-economic Justice Officer position. The current cost-of-living crisis profoundly affects students, and I'm eager to contribute and lead campaigns tackling these systemic inequalities, ensuring everyone have equitable access to their rights. 

My experiences also fuel my commitment to advance the rights of LGBTQ+ people, fostering inclusive spaces, and actively challenging discrimination. Furthermore, as a disabled individual, I'm driven to champion the rights of disabled people, advocating for greater accessibility and challenging ableism with my insights. 

My broad dedication to human rights, coupled with my lived and professional experience in these areas, makes me a versatile and impactful candidate ready to champion the human rights of everyone.” 

Roles applied for:

• Socio-economic Justice Officer 

• LGBTQ+ Justice Officer 

• Disabled Students Justice Officer 

What issue gets you agitated, and what kind of actions do you want to see students taking on it? 

Generally, the exclusion of individuals from taking part in parts of society because a circumstances outside of their control (namely, coming from deprived backgrounds, or discrimination based on an unchangeable characteristic, i.e. disability, gender identity, sexuality, race). I want to see fellow students actively working in the face of these issues, generally raising awareness and running pressure campaigns to work towards the fair inclusion of all individuals in our society. 

The STAN Committee help connect local student activism to national and global movements. How would you support student groups in your region to feel part of something bigger? 

I feel that Scotland has a place in working for the betterment of society. I would work for the inclusion of Scots and individuals studying in Scotland across the country ‒ Scotland is a very large, and particularly rural country, with significant centralisation of efforts in Glasgow and Edinburgh. In short ‒ I'd hope to include students in less served areas, for example, Fife, Borders, Highlands, and the Islands. 

What does building a powerful, student-led human rights movement mean to you and how would you contribute to it as part of STAN? 

I think students have a very powerful voice they can use to fight for universal human rights; we are usually more aware of societal imbalances and where the current failures are, and we are not as happy to continue the status quo just because "that's the way it's always been". Students are a very diverse group of people, coming from all sorts of backgrounds, be it socio-economic, ethnic, or cultural. We, as a collective body, have many experiences that can shape the way that we campaign for the human rights of everyone, regardless of personal situation. I would look to promote equality and human rights for all people across society. I personally believe that there should be equality of opportunity for everyone regardless of background, and would hope to work towards that within STAN. 

 

Wajiha Anwar (she/her) 

Queen Mary University of London 

 

 

Roles applied for:

• Student-led Campaigns Officer 

• Outreach Officer 

• Gender Justice Officer 

What issue gets you agitated, and what kind of actions do you want to see students taking on it? 

One issue that agitates me is the growing suppression of students’ right to freedom of expression. Around the world and across UK campuses, students are being vilified, disciplined, and silenced for their activism. The framing of peaceful protest as threatening, particularly when it challenges dominant political narratives, reflects a dangerous erosion of democratic freedoms and the rule of law, especially in discourse on Palestine. Students are often praised for acting on certain human rights issues yet are criminalised or delegitimised for voicing solidarity with Palestine. This is not only unjust, but also discourages critical thinking and social responsibility, the very values education should also uphold. 

I would like to see students collectively pushing back, mobilising, occupying, organising teach-ins, building inter-university coalitions, and asserting their right to protest without fear. I want us to reclaim activism as a tool for justice, not something to be surveyed or suppressed.  

The STAN Committee help connect local student activism to national and global movements. How would you support student groups in your region to feel part of something bigger? 

I believe that powerful student movements begin at the grassroots. but thrive when connected to something bigger. I would support student groups by building genuine, local relationships, grounded in listening and shared purpose. It is important to understand the specific challenges and strengths each group faces and then actively find ways to link their work to national campaigns.  

This could be creating spaces for collaboration such as forums, online meetups, campaign workshops, allowing students to share their strategies, successes, and challenges across campuses. I would help spotlight their local work on national platforms and build solidarity networks that remind students they’re not acting alone. I believe in “scaling up” activism by anchoring it in community, while connecting the dots between our local efforts and the larger systems we are trying to change. 

I believe change becomes stronger when people feel they are part of a movement that values their voice. 

What does building a powerful, student-led human rights movement mean to you and how would you contribute to it as part of STAN? 

Building a powerful, student-led human rights movement means reclaiming the student space as one of radical possibility. Historically, students have been at the forefront of social movements, from anti-colonial resistance to protests against foreign intervention and state violence. A truly powerful student movement is one where our activism is grounded in our lived realities, intersectional in its approach, and unapologetically rooted in justice, in solidarity with students around the world, and for those who are not able to use their voice.   

It means mobilising at every level whether on campuses or in communities. It means confronting the disciplinary tools used to suppress dissent and standing together when one of us is targeted. It is about using what we learn inside the classroom to fuel the change we create outside of it and ensuring our campaigns are not performative but are sustained and responsive to the communities they claim to represent. 

 

Neve Burrell (she/they/he) 

University of Leeds 

 

 

Roles applied for:

• LGBTQ+ Justice Officer 

• Gender Justice Officer 

• Climate Justice and Sustainability Officer 

What issue gets you agitated, and what kind of actions do you want to see students taking on it? 

I am incredibly passionate about trans rights. Specifically, how trans people are scapegoated to misdirect from the true sources of oppression, despite comprising only 0.5% of the population. The government trades trans lives for votes when instead of focusing on rampant femicide and institutional misogyny, we are told to focus our vitriol on trans people. While the Supreme Court ‘defends women’s safety’, trans and cisgender women are being assaulted because our culture treats rapists better than trans women. 

Those in power want us pitted against each other. I want to see greater solidarity among varying student groups and open discussions of intersectional issues. I also want students to pressure their universities to declare campus a safe space for trans people and provide better and more inclusive trans-led training, beyond ‘pronoun training’, for staff because much of what we see on a daily basis is uneducated incompetence rather than hate. 

The STAN Committee help connect local student activism to national and global movements. How would you support student groups in your region to feel part of something bigger? 

The student conference provides a great opportunity to connect with students from your region and beyond, but I think it would be great if regional and/or national committees had the opportunity to work together from the beginning and build larger movements in the north, south etc…  To encourage this, I would support with arranging meetings between regional committees to link up and organise wide-reaching actions together!  

For this, I would also foster an open line of communication between myself and regional groups, ensuring they are updated on STAN activities but also that their ideas for larger movements are heard and supported by the STAN committee. I also think there needs to be greater connection between student and local Amnesty groups. This would help bridge the gap between students and the wider community, which can help students feel that they are working towards something that spans beyond the campus.  

What does building a powerful, student-led human rights movement mean to you and how would you contribute to it as part of STAN? 

It’s easy to feel powerless at the state of the world, but when I look at the persistence of my fellow students, I have hope. I see the passion and commitment of Palestine groups on campus. I hear the rallying cry of my trans siblings; I see the power of their protest. Our relentlessness in the face of injustice feels powerful. This energy is what student-led movements mean to me. It is community and strength in our collective drive for change.  

Linking with other groups and combining our knowledge and impact is a key part of this. I want to push our societies to work with others, as well as local community groups. We need a student movement that lends its voice and power to bolster others’. A movement for the benefit of all. Within STAN, this also means working closely with other members to create more powerful intersectional campaigns. 

 

Adam Shaw (he/him) 

University College London 

 

 

"Hi, I’m Adam, a Global Humanitarian Studies undergraduate at UCL. Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to engage with various human rights topics and campaigns as President of my university’s Amnesty International Society and would love the opportunity to engage further with student activism via the STAN committee. Through student democracy, I have helped introduce a ban on fossil fuel sponsorships for student societies and have passed an amendment to ensure all ‘student leaders’ at UCL receive active bystander training while also running various other events and workshops for members throughout the year. More recently, I have also had the opportunity to intern at Peace Brigades International UK, supporting their advocacy work on Indigenous and environmental rights, which has given me additional insights that will be valuable as I continue advocacy at UCL. Outside of student activism I am an active volunteer and have supported various human rights-based organisations. For example, I work as a homelessness caseworker for the Refugee Council and lead a student-led project that tutors English to Afghan refugees. Overall, I would love to contribute to the work of the STAN over the coming year and hope some of my prior experience would be of value to the committee." 

Roles applied for:

• Chair

• Climate Justice and Sustainability Officer

• Outreach Officer 

What issue gets you agitated, and what kind of actions do you want to see students taking on it? 

Unlike many countries like Canada, Norway and the Netherlands, the UK has yet to provide meaningful support to human rights defenders (HRDs) abroad. This underscores the general level of apathy to human rights within the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and its work, further highlighted by their more especially inconsistent consideration of Indigenous and environmental rights in development work. 

I would love to see students take a more active role in demanding stronger support for HRDs. This could include campaigning for governments to implement robust policies that offer emergency visas, diplomatic protection, and funding for HRDs at risk. Students could also organise awareness-raising events that highlight the vital work of HRDs and the dangers they face, creating cross-border solidarity networks. Ultimately, student activism should push for systemic change that recognises and safeguards HRDs as essential defenders of human rights globally. 

The STAN Committee help connect local student activism to national and global movements. How would you support student groups in your region to feel part of something bigger? 

Being based in London, one of the UK’s most diverse and active student regions offers a unique advantage for local student activists. London’s extensive network of think tanks, charities, and grassroots organisations offers a vibrant ecosystem full of opportunities to engage and affect change, with proximity to Westminster connecting students to the broader advocacy landscape, highlighting the impact of their efforts. 

I believe that London-based student groups are yet to fully embrace this wider ecosystem and do not sufficiently engage with one another. I would, therefore, prioritise fostering stronger collaboration between London Amnesty groups by organising regular meetings and joint events to develop shared strategies for collective campaigns. Additionally, I would work to increase interaction between student groups and nearby regional groups, helping students feel part of a wider movement and encouraging sustained activism beyond graduation. 

What does building a powerful, student-led human rights movement mean to you and how would you contribute to it as part of STAN? 

From students’ pivotal role in the 20th-century anti-apartheid movement to challenging the current genocide in Palestine, student-led human rights movements have a powerful legacy of impact. They have mobilised young people to confront injustice, amplify marginalised voices, and influence government policy. Building this influence depends on creating dynamic and inclusive spaces where students are not only educated about human rights issues but also empowered to take meaningful action. As part of the STAN, I would aim to bridge the gap between learning, passion, and action to amplify the voices of student activists on and off campus throughout the UK. 

 

Ashley Kwan (she/her) 

Newcastle University 

 

 

Roles applied for:

• Anti-Racism and Racial Justice Officer 

• LGBTQ+ Justice Officer 

• Media and Communications Officer  

What issue gets you agitated, and what kind of actions do you want to see students taking on it? 

Supporting the Palestinian cause on campus is something I’m very passionate about and it has been increasingly frustrating watching our university ignore their complicity in the ongoing genocide despite students raising awareness and taking action in attempts to stop their universities from contributing to the massacre of Palestinians. Despite this, it has been truly heartening to see people taking a stand against their institutions in a variety of ways - whether this be encampments, research on investments, through social media campaigns or otherwise. In the face of such horrific violence, students have organised to form community with their collective anger and determination; it is imperative that actions of all kinds organised through these campaigns continue to hold our universities accountable, and more students see the important of this movement and play their part until the genocide ends and Palestine is free. 

The STAN Committee help connect local student activism to national and global movements. How would you support student groups in your region to feel part of something bigger? 

I believe that many of the causes we advocate for are all interconnected, and allowing student groups to connect and learn from one another would only serve to strengthen what they can do for their cause. With STAN, I would be in a good position to maintain contact with national and global movements, allowing me to signpost local student activists to any support they may need - whether it be through sharing knowledge or resources. In addition, regardless of the scale of a movement, hearing from a wider scope of individuals’ experiences can always better inform the aims and operations of a movement. Furthermore, campaigning locally can sometimes be isolating. I would consistently monitor any successes or notable actions of national and global movements so that students have examples to look up to, and be reminded that there are others fighting for their cause. 

What does building a powerful, student-led human rights movement mean to you and how would you contribute to it as part of STAN? 

Growing up in Hong Kong, powerful student-led human rights movements were hugely influential to my upbringing and helped shape who I am today - I would not be in the position I am now if it wasn’t for the students risking their lives and futures to protect our freedom of expression. Also having the opportunity of being part of building a student movement at my university, I’ve witnessed firsthand how important organising within an institution and nationally would be to achieving our collective demands with the least risk placed on individuals as possible. As part of STAN, I would love to better familiarise myself with movements organising for different causes to increase exposure for smaller movements and provide them with the resources needed to continue their work, as well as allowing groups to support and connect with one another where possible to hopefully build a more powerful collective student-led movement. 

 

Sorcha Boersma (she/her) 

University of Glasgow 

 

 

Roles applied for:

• Outreach Officer 

• Gender Justice Officer 

• Student-led Campaigns Officer 

What issue gets you agitated, and what kind of actions do you want to see students taking on it? 

The ineffectiveness of the UK justice system is definitely one issue that I find extremely important. There’s a number of sides to this, one being the lack of justice for victims of under-prosecuted offences such as hate crimes or gender based-violence.  

On the other hand, there’s a severe lack of legal representation for individuals undergoing wrongful prosecution or maltreatment by legal institutions, and decisions within the UK legal system are notoriously hard to overturn.  

One of the most important actions for students to take within combatting this issue is to remain vocal surrounding instances where the UK justice system has failed. This includes student action against disparities within police action along racial, gendered and economic lines. Importantly, this involves solidarity and co-operation with impacted communities, and a willingness to work alongside already existing movements. 

The STAN Committee help connect local student activism to national and global movements. How would you support student groups in your region to feel part of something bigger? 

Currently I am studying in Glasgow and one of the discussions I hear the most surrounding the organisation of student activism is that Scottish students feel sidelined within political activism groups that have their base within England. Beyond this, Scottish students are in many cases under-represented within their university student activist groups.  

As a committee member, ensuring that students within Scotland feel represented and supported would be a significant priority. This would include developing an engaged network of amnesty groups within Scotland that are given support and advice specific to the region.  

Furthermore, I would place an emphasis on engaging student groups beyond those in Glasgow and Edinburgh, and working with these groups to provide solutions to students that find support and communication with amnesty less accessible than those operating within the central belt.  

What does building a powerful, student-led human rights movement mean to you and how would you contribute to it as part of STAN? 

It is my view that an effective student-led human rights movement is one that is highly capable of solidarity. Each group will have different campaign priorities, local support networks, and certain issues that they are particularly motivated by. What is important is that the student network is able to support these campaigns.   

One highly important element of this is encouraging communication between different groups and facilitating co-operation. This includes lending resources and information on effective campaign tactics, leading to better connected and supported student campaign groups. 

Feedback is also extremely important. The construction of a movement that is beneficial for those it impacts and those involved requires regular reflection and adjustment. This could include evaluating which campaigns have been effective, which have been less so, and how this knowledge can be applied by both the group in question and shared within the network. 

 

Funto Ajijola (she/her) 

University of Reading  

 

 

“My name is Funto Ajijola and I’m a first-year student studying Law at the University of Reading. 

In my simplicity, I represent real life. There’s nothing fancy to me, I’m state-school educated, and my parents are working-class, first-generation immigrants, and even in that, there’s an immense sense of privilege, but I represent the people, from the way I look to the way I identify — it represents real life, because real life is displaced by the inherent, uncontrollable diversity that exists within the world. When it comes to facets of my identity that I can’t control, such as my race and sexuality, and when prejudice and discrimination come from immediately familiar faces (like the ones of friends and family), I’ve felt very detached from what the idea of ‘home’ even looks like. When all you can do is stare at the news platforms in shock because rights are being infringed around the world, uprooted like weeds from the soil, displacement is a natural feeling. But I have found a home within the activist space, one that emanates colour and belonging and community and the idea of radical optimism, that change is genuinely possible at the hands of those who wholeheartedly believe it. 

And I’d like to give that back to others. 

For those who don’t have a space to call home, to those who feel displaced on where to stick their feet within the activism space; especially for those who have close ties to discrimination and prejudice because it comes from the familiar faces of friends and family in the cases of sexism, homophobia, transphobia and racism, I’d like to represent you on the STAN committee. For those who are scared, who have no idea where to begin, I’d like to be the voice that you hear and the extended hand that you see that wishes to help you understand how to find the people you will create change with together, because I believe that your voice and a more solid footing can be found within the human rights sphere. 

As someone who is trying to change the accessibility of activism, as someone who is taking risks just by being in the activism space, I’m extending a hand to anyone watching this video. 

I’d like to be a friendly face and someone easy to reach out to, someone who hopes to bring passion, authenticity, empathy and intelligence to the STAN committee and all of you. 

Thanks for voting, and I can’t wait to work with you all 😊" 

Roles applied for:

• Gender Justice Officer 

• Anti-racism and Racial Justice Officer 

• Socio-economic Justice Officer 

What issue gets you agitated, and what kind of actions do you want to see students taking on it? 

The bolstering of the authoritarian right in the UK and the crackdown on the existence of diversity is what gets me agitated. It spreads like a virus into every aspect of our daily lives: what topics are covered in school, freedom of speech concerning university students, the constant cushioning of the rich, using militant tactics and politics as a means of inhibiting the mere existence of people who happen to defy what is conventional: transness, queerness, being anything other white, womanhood. To combat this, I’d like to see more community organising amongst students — the cultivation of thick, deep and enduring relationships created from the mere act of just talking about what makes us different, which will have the simultaneous effect of educating ourselves and reconnecting us to the basis of democracy.  

The STAN Committee help connect local student activism to national and global movements. How would you support student groups in your region to feel part of something bigger? 

I would support activism in local student groups by encouraging them to start small and tackling the idea of activism in stages. Activism in itself is daunting, especially when local student groups look domestically (that is, look in on themselves), and compare their methods of activism to more grassroots types or the movements that sweep nationally or internationally. By encouraging the thought of social justice issues as multidimensional, deeper thinking is cultivated. I think that by doing this, student groups will be connected directly to widespread movements that are already ongoing and are well-established, allowing them to find an area of that issue that is suitable for them to tackle and giving them the room to connect to the world around them in the way that the world is experienced from the perspective of this infringed right; for example, by connecting with NGOs to educate themselves on this issue.   

What does building a powerful, student-led human rights movement mean to you and how would you contribute to it as part of STAN? 

Building this movement is the phrase ‘despite’ — despite everything that tells me that this issue won’t change, despite the age-old ideologies that threaten the basic human rights of others, despite the way that the world turns its head to the suffering of others, we will still engage in peaceful, strategic warfare for the issues we care about. It is leading a charge of radical optimism. It is about connecting students to the idea of activism as a verb — connecting local student groups to the world around them, to the idea of activism as a task they undertake every day, as opposed to something stationary. I believe this starts with education at the helm — and I would hope to contribute to this by using my voice to make people aware of the logistics behind the issues they care about and cultivating spaces for them to do so. 

 

Sophia Tindal (she/her) 

Derby College 

“I’m applying for the roles of Chair, Anti-Racism and Racial Justice Officer, and Outreach Officer because I’m passionate about human rights, student activism, and building inclusive communities. I’m enthusiastic, driven, and committed to creating meaningful change — currently preparing to run for Student Union Vice President at Derby College to better represent student voices. As Chair, I would lead with purpose and unity, helping build a strong and diverse network across the UK. As Anti-Racism and Racial Justice Officer, I bring lived experience and a strong desire to challenge injustice, particularly around issues like the Prevent Strategy. As Outreach Officer, I’m a people-focused communicator who’s excited to bring Amnesty’s work to new colleges and campuses. I’m fully committed to attending regular online meetings and in-person events, and I’m ready to put in the time, energy, and heart this network deserves. Across all three roles, I’m here to represent, connect, and fight for change. I want to be the voice for the voiceless and have a change in the community I breathe, live and see.” 

Roles applied for:

• Outreach Officer 

• Anti-racism and Racial Justice Officer 

• Chair 

What issue gets you agitated, and what kind of actions do you want to see students taking on it? 

One issue out of the many global problems that I am hearing is that there are countries where humanitarian aid is just not an option. Something about this is that countries are okay with funding for better roads, living economies for the upper class mostly, will take away what is needed to provide that luxurious lifestyle from the working class. Yet governments and country allies are not willing to fund towards something positive and life changing like saving someone’s life? That same country that you can be providing basic necessities to survive, and you continually do that, they will be grateful and be wiling to be your ally. I don’t understand how countries are looking out for themselves, partnering with other countries yet they’re not doing it for a positive change to the whole nation, it’s s only for the rich and in close relations to politics.  

The STAN Committee help connect local student activism to national and global movements. How would you support student groups in your region to feel part of something bigger? 

To help student groups in my region feel part of something bigger, I’d focus on connection, communication, and empowerment. Many students care about human rights but don’t always see how their local actions link to national or global change. I’d work to bridge that gap by sharing clear updates, campaign successes, and opportunities to get involved showing how every petition signed, event hosted, or voice raised contributes to a wider movement. 

I’d actively support groups by listening to their needs, spotlighting their work, and encouraging collaboration between colleges and universities in the region. As someone currently running for Student Union Vice President at Derby College, I understand the importance of feeling seen and supported. Whether through regular check-ins, creative resources, or shared campaigns, I’d help students feel connected, valued, and motivated because local action becomes powerful when it’s part of a united, global push for justice. 

What does building a powerful, student-led human rights movement mean to you and how would you contribute to it as part of STAN? 

To me, building a powerful, student-led human rights movement means uniting students from all backgrounds to challenge injustice, amplify marginalised voices, and create meaningful, lasting change. It’s about making activism accessible, inclusive, and action-focused led by those directly affected and passionate about change. 

As part of STAN, I would contribute by bringing energy, empathy, and a clear commitment to representation. I’m currently campaigning to become Student Union Vice President at Derby College because I believe in creating spaces where every student voice matters. I would work to ensure our campaigns reflect the diversity of our network, especially around anti-racism and social justice. I’m dedicated to attending regular meetings and in-person events, and I’m excited to connect with students across the UK to grow this movement together. With my experience, passion, and drive, I’m ready to help build a human rights movement that is bold, inclusive, and led by students. 

 

Grace Taylor-Stokes (any) 

Newcastle University  

 

 

“Hi! I’m Grace (any pronouns). I have been involved in activism and Amnesty for years. My activism stems from passion, lived experience and empathy, something I’m sure many of you can relate to. Being a genderfluid lesbian, my experiences with misogyny, transphobia and homophobia intercept. These experiences have shaped my life and my activism. Next year I am going to be my student council’s marginalised gender rep, advocating for and supporting marginalised students through various initiatives. Through STAN, I want the opportunity to further this work, and give a voice to the communities I’m so proud of belonging to, while also using my anger over the oppression we face globally to fight for our rights. Another reason why I want to be a part of STAN is that it supports activists across the country in their work. It’s really important now, more than ever, in the face of disasters such as the genocide in Palestine and the rise of facism across the world, that there is support for student movements and activism in general. Working as my amnesty society’s secretary this year, being involved in various local and national activist groups, volunteering, and protesting, have all taught me and given me so much. I want the opportunity to put this work into practice and STAN embodies the main thing I have learned; together, we are stronger.” 

Roles applied for:

• Gender Justice Officer

• LGBTQ+ Justice Officer 

• Outreach Officer 

What issue gets you agitated, and what kind of actions do you want to see students taking on it? 

The current genocide in Palestine angers me beyond words, and it is vital students get involved. The horrors in Palestine are everyone's issue; it is an anti-colonialist issue, a feminist issue, a disability rights issue, a queer rights issue, an anti-Islamophobia issue etc. As students not only do we have a lot of power, but many of us also belong to complicit universities. Being a part of the pro-Palestine student movement has allowed me to experience first hand the strength of direct action and student movements. I want to see students continue to do what we've already been doing: staging protests, walkouts, marches, encampments, forging community, supporting and uplifting Palestinian voices, and doing whatever we can to fight against the genocide and our country's and institutions' complicity. We all have a responsibility to campaign for all Palestinians, and liberation for all people. 

The STAN Committee help connect local student activism to national and global movements. How would you support student groups in your region to feel part of something bigger? 

Connectivity is at the heart of the student movement and it is what gives us strength. As human rights advocates, we already understand that our movement is a part of something bigger, but it important to know that the movement itself is big. I would help student groups by putting them in touch with other Amnesty groups. Getting advice from other groups when putting on events, or collabing on social media with them when we run similar events, have made Newcastle Amnesty so much stronger. I would encourage my student groups to come to me with ideas and then allow me to connect them with other national and international groups that have similar focuses. I would also liaise with Amnesty professionals meaning I would be able to put student groups in contact with them. As a member of STAN I would ensure connections are accessible beyond the annual conference. 

What does building a powerful, student-led human rights movement mean to you and how would you contribute to it as part of STAN? 

Students have always been a powerful force for change, from the civil-rights movement to the Vietnam war, and today is no different. This is why it is vital for the student movement to be strong. Many student activists only begin to get involved in activism when they arrive to uni, when they have access to certain connections and resources for the first time. Therefore, education and community are integral to successful student activism. If elected to STAN, I would make sure inter-Amnesty networks are strengthened to allow students to learn from each other and find inspiration, as well as support each others' ventures. This last point is especially important intra-regionally where groups can more easily collaborate and even co-organise events. I would also help Amnesty groups access educational tools and connect them with experienced activists to enrich their activism. 

 

Marvella Ukegbu (she/her) 

Birmingham City University 

 

 

Roles applied for:

• Chair

• Gender Justice Officer

• Outreach Officer 

What issue gets you agitated, and what kind of actions do you want to see students taking on it? 

One issue that deeply agitates me is the gatekeeping of legal knowledge—how laws are written and enforced in ways that exclude, confuse, or intimidate the people they’re meant to protect. This links to wider issues I care about: classism, rape culture, misogyny, institutional racism, mental health injustice, and how vulnerable people are made invisible in systems designed to silence them. It also connects to how abuse culture in all its forms, including sexual abuse beyond rape, thrives in this silence. Inaccessible legal knowledge leaves students powerless, creating a disconnect where care exists but knowledge doesn’t. Tackling this creates a ripple effect, helping students engage with issues from a place of clarity and strength. 

I want students across the UK reclaiming power by making rights education visible, bold and culturally relevant. From “know your protest rights” reels to pop-up workshops and punchy Gen Z campaigns, we can make human rights unmissable. 

The STAN Committee help connect local student activism to national and global movements. How would you support student groups in your region to feel part of something bigger? 

To help student groups feel part of something bigger, I’d spotlight local campaigns across STAN platforms and coordinate joint actions that link student activism to national goals. Whether it’s co-hosting a digital teach-in or rallying around a national day of action, I’d make sure no group feels like they’re shouting alone. I’d also build cross-campus networks through city-based meetups, like linking Birmingham’s universities for rights-focused events with local flair. To keep momentum high, I’d launch digital Amnesty Takeovers on platforms students already use: Instagram, TikTok, and email newsletters. These would highlight student voices, campaign updates, and quick ways to plug in. Finally,I’d work with the team to support newer groups through open Zoom hours, mentorship links, and adaptable resource kits. My goal is a visible, united student network that feels personal and powerful, where every student knows their activism matters and contributes to a wider movement. 

What does building a powerful, student-led human rights movement mean to you and how would you contribute to it as part of STAN? 

To me this means creating a diverse, united community where activism feels visible, relevant, and achievable for every student. It’s about turning isolated campus efforts into a connected force that reflects student realities and amplifies local struggles within national and global fights for justice. 

As part of STAN, I’d contribute by building networks that meet students where they already are, such as university Instagram pages and email bulletins. Through Amnesty “Takeovers,” we would pass on the tea about current campaigns, upcoming events, and ways to get involved, delivered directly through systems students already trust. I would also promote cross-campus collaborations within cities, tailor strategies to fit each university’s culture, and provide adaptable toolkits and mentorship to support emerging or underrepresented groups. 

By combining cultural fluency with practical strategy, I would help transform student activism into a bold and accessible movement that is grounded in local experience and united in purpose. 

 

Youcef Nekkache (he/him) 

University of Kent 

 

 

Roles applied for:

• Socio-economic Justice Officer 

• Anti-racism and Racial Justice Officer 

• Student-led Campaign Officer 

What issue gets you agitated, and what kind of actions do you want to see students taking on it? 

 I have to say that the issue that most irritates me revolves around economic and social inequalities, insofar as they are very regularly evoked in a lot of other discussions, such as those around racism, sexism, ableism, and in general most systems of oppression. To confront them is to oppose all these systems at once on the same front. As a student, and particularly in my case because I'm studying social sciences and politics, I would say that one of the things we could do, and should do, is to produce data and reports that we can use in our campaigns to inform the general public and interpellate leaders, on a particular topic. 

The STAN Committee help connect local student activism to national and global movements. How would you support student groups in your region to feel part of something bigger? 

This year, I have decided to join the local Amnesty International Group in my university, and it is there that I have met a lot of new friends. People that wanted to get involved and make a change. I have met and talked to various members of last year's committee, like Omar, Maghrib and Abby. The multiple events I attended and the conversations I had were really impacting and motivated me even me more to join STAN. I truly hope next year’s committee will be just as inspiring and committed as the last one, and if I’m lucky enough to be involved, I’ll do everything I can to keep that spirit alive.  

What does building a powerful, student-led human rights movement mean to you and how would you contribute to it as part of STAN? 

To me, building a powerful student-led human rights movement means recognizing the strength of collective student action in shaping history. From protests against the Vietnam War to the fight against apartheid in South Africa, and now the campus encampments for Palestine, students have always been at the forefront of change. These movements show that student voices matter, and their work too. As part of STAN, I would really love to contribute by helping organize, educate, and mobilize others with that same urgency. I believe we are living a pivotal moment where silence is complicity and political discourses in the UK and the US is getting more and more dangerous, and I’m committed to helping build a movement that is ambitious and creative. 

 

Emma Cook (she/her) 

University of Glasgow