Open meeting minutes

            

Amnesty International (UK) Norwich Group

Open Meeting July 17 2008

 

Chair's Welcome

 David F welcomed all to the meeting - particularly to those coming for first time.

 

Apologies  

Received from: Joanna, Roz, Lesley.

 

Newsclips

Chair invited group to share interesting newsclips.

  • Jim M. shared article from The Big Issue about new book and film about Abu Ghraib called ‘Standard Operating Procedure'.
  • David Y. highlighted article from The Guardian (16.7.08) about allegations of British intelligence officials colluding in Pakistan torture through outsourcing.
  • David F. spoke about the International Court putting out summons for the President of Sudan for Crimes against Humanity.

 

Matters Arising from previous minutes

  • David F reported that he will shortly be sending a document to all ‘members' about new arrangements to replace local (group) membership.
  • Other Matters Arising would be covered within meeting.

 

Monthly Action

  • David F distributed copies of AI Monthly Action about a Yemeni journalist.
  • Debbie reminded group that Monthly Action needs to be high priority for group, and encouraged all members to take action.
  • David Y suggested all present sign one copy of the letter: agreed and actioned.

 

Saffron Walden group

SW group asked for our support with their efforts on behalf of a prisoner of conscience in Burma. David F distributed information sheet.

 

Information from AIUK

Case Sheets

 David F reported that AIUK has introduced a new way of managing case files though he felt the information was still unclear.

 

Protect the Human Week - 11-17 October 08.

  • AIUK has party packs, encouraging members to ‘throw a party'. Charlotte (first-time visitor) said that she and fellow students at Wymondham College would be holding party and showing relevant films.
  • Joe (first-time visitor) offered to lend a DVD on work of Medicin sans Frontier. Also offered it for showing at future group meetings. (Charing Cross Centre can provide DVD with notice.)
  • Debbie encouraged Charlotte to let group know if she needed help in providing cakes for the party.

 

China Campaign:

AIUK update as Olympics imminent.

 

Country Co-ordinators (CC):

AIUK need more volunteers to take on CC roles.

 

Newsletter

  • Chair thanked Joanna for her work on the current Newsletter which has recently gone out. Group agreed it was a very good edition.
  • Chair reminded everyone that contributions welcomed from all.
  • Debbie asked that anyone who knows of others (including organisations/groups) who would like a copy to let her know so that she can add to the mailing list.

 

Binyam Mohamed

Neil  gave update.

  • There are continuing mental health concerns for Binyam.
  • Trial likely to start in September - though still uncertain.
  • Group campaigning event to be held in Norwich, outside the Forum on Saturday 19 July at 11am.
  • Card distributed around group to sign and send to Binyam for his 30th birthday on 24 July.
  • Email from Binyam's sister received by Edward G. (Norwich AI) thanking him for his regular letters to Binyam.
  • Demonstration to be held in London (jointly by several campaign groups) on Binyam's birthday (24 July, 6-8pm) opposite Downing Street.

 

Twinning

Neil M. is looking into possibility of twin-town activity. He confirmed there is an AI group in Rouen, France - also at Norwich University, USA (run by a professor in Human Rights).

Agreed to put on agenda for next Committee meeting. ACTION: JOANNA

 

Speaker

Peter J. suggested inviting speaker from Medical Foundation for the Victims of Torture/

 

Children's Network

Joanna had reported that she'd received email from David M. (AI UK) in response to her query about lack of cases. He will put Norwich group on email distribution list to get more cases.

Agreed to discuss further at next committee meeting. ACTION: JOANNA

 

Women's Network

Roz had confirmed nothing to report.

David F read out recent article in The Independent about imprisonment and lashes for couple having an affair in Saudi Arabia. Women have no status and so no right of appeal.

 

Control Arms Campaign

David Y. reported that the campaign is gearing up again. An Experts Group will be reporting soon. Website relaunched: http://www.armscontrol.org.uk/

New actions expected soon.

 

Events

  • Street Collection - collected £350.
  • Tennis Tournament. Debbie reported that lack of venue meant it would not take place this year.
  • Refugee Picnic: North Norfolk AI group will be holding this on 2 August (11-4pm). Volunteer helpers needed - contact Joanna.
  • Fun Day at Sainsbury Centre (UEA) - 3 August.David Y. reported on plans for group activity for families. Theme of elephants (and other large animals): ‘Human Rights: the elephant in the stadium' to link into the China campaign.
  • Helpers needed: David Y. and David F. to meet to progress. ACTION: DAVID F & DAVID Y.
  • Burston Rally: 7 September - 11-4pm. Helpers needed on group stall.

 

Treasure Hunt - Sunday 28 September.

  • David Y. organising event - ‘Spy/Top Secret' theme. On foot round city centre, in groups of around 4 people.
  • Debbie and others will help with selling tickets.

 

Publicity and Fundraising posts

Chair reminded group that these committee posts are still vacant and offers to take on would be welcomed.

 

Talks

David F reminded group that he is willing to give talk on AI's work to any interested group.

 

Imprisoned prisoner, Jakarta

Frank R. gave summary of case of a man imprisoned in Jakarta who may not receive fair trial. Distributed information sheet.

Chair reminded group that this wasn't an AI case and so people should only campaign as individuals, if they chose to, but not as AI members.

 

AOB

  • Kevin M. had had letter about Refugee Week published in EDP on 1 July.
  • Debbie reminded group that as membership fee had been abolished, there would be a collecting box at each meeting for anyone to contribute to group funds for postage, room hire etc. She emphasised that this was not a fee and no records of who gives/doesn't give would be kept or monitored.

 

Next Meeting

  • Wednesday 20 August, with possible showing of DVD about work of Medicin sans Frontier.
  • Wednesday 17 September - David Mead of UEA speaking on: ‘The Impact of the Human Rights Act: Should we keep it, change it, or get rid of it?'

 

Meeting Closed at 9.45pm

 

Minutes taken by Debbie