Human Rights Defenders Party!

York Amnesty is bidding farewell to some fond friends it has made in recent months.

On March 15th we held a goodbye party for the 'Human Rights Defenders', a small group of individuals from various countries around the world where they are persecuted for their beliefs.

'It went really well,' said Patricia Bartley, organiser for the evening and York Amnesty member. 'There was about 50 people in total and they danced the night away until 2am'.

 The 'Protective Fellowship Scheme for Human Rights Defenders at Risk' has been run by York University's own Centre for Applied Human Rights since 2008.

One of the defenders this year, a lady who would like to be referred to simply as EL, said: 'I have an unwavering friendship with Amnesty International and I spoke at one of their events in York'.

Up to ten defenders a year are able to join the centre for purposes such as training, networking and rest from their problematic working lives back home.

'I am very lucky to have got this opportunity', continued El. 'I've met many other inspiring individuals and organisations'.

'I will miss the atmosphere of York. It is a historic town with nice people'

York Amnesty have monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of every month at the Friends Meeting House on Friargate.

York Amnesty supports 'Scarborough Amesty Celebrates Women'

To mark International Women's Day, Scarborough Amnesty have lined up an exciting programme of events at Hull University's Scarborough Campus on Saturday March 9th. Attendance is free.


1030 Coffee and welcome

1100 Talk by Hugh Sandeman, AIUK's Algeria and Libya Co-ordinator, followed by questions.

1200 Lunch (North African food available at the bar in Calvino's from £5)

1300 Talk by the "Human Rights Defenders" from York University on their experiences of being on the Human Rights frontline.

1345 Music from Raven (All-female singing ensemble)

1415 Scarborough Poetry Society

1445 More music from Raven

1515 Music from Global Voices (An all-female singing group)

1615 Formal end



If you would like to reserve a place for the North African meal or if you would like to make use of the crèche, please contact Rod Heath on 01723 377108 or email him at amnestyscarborough@gmail.com. In the case of the créche, it would be useful to have details of names, ages and likely time slots. It all helps with the planning!



Venue: Scarborough Campus, University of Hull, Filey Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom, YO11 3AZ