Amnesty Edmonton February Newsletter

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Dear Friends,

These have been challenging weeks, as the "Freedom Convoy" movement has disrupted lives and made people feel unsafe in Ottawa, here in Edmonton, and in other parts of the country. Amnesty International Canada's statement contains the following words from Secretary General Ketty Nivyabandi: “Amnesty International Canada is deeply troubled by the reports of violence, harassment, intimidation, and hate speech which have surfaced since January 29th. Nazi flags, Confederate flags, and other symbols of racism and hate exhibited have no room in peaceful protests. Equally concerning is the affiliation of some of the Convoy organizers with overtly racist, white supremacist groups.”

Please take care of yourself and be aware of those around you who may be struggling with mental health or physical needs. If your self-care involves listening to music or getting lost in a good book or film, you might appreciate this compilation of resources that celebrate Black History Month in Alberta.

We hope you will be able to join us for our virtual AGM on Monday, March 7! You can email us at amnesty1@edmontonamnesty.or g for a link to join the meeting. In order to vote, you must be a member, but all are welcome to attend.

EVENTS

February 23, Wednesday - Register here for a celebration of Black history (and present!) with Amnesty International Canada's Secretary General Ketty Nivyabandi and four other Black Canadian human rights leaders! The event will begin at 5 PM MST.

February 26, Saturday, 6:30 PM MST - Last year, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch released a joint report on immigration detention in Canada and its impact on mental health. At this special event, Learn and Take Action on Immigration Detention in Canada, there will be a presentation on the report, along with opportunities to ask questions and find out how to engage others on this important topic. Please register here.

March 7, Monday, 7 PM MST - Our annual general meeting! Email amnesty1@edmontonamnesty.or g for a link to join.

March 8, Tuesday - For this International Women's Day, we will be highlighting women human rights defenders in Afghanistan. Stay tuned for more details! In the meantime, you might check out this recent BBC article, "Five Afghan women who refuse to be silenced."

GOOD NEWS

Amnesty International is opposed to the death penalty in all cases, regardless of circumstances, but our neighbour to the south executed 11 people last year. The good news is that this month, at least one execution has been stopped. According to the Idaho Statesman, "Gerald Pizzuto’s death sentence was reduced to life in prison by an Idaho district court judge Friday — a ruling with far-reaching implications for the state after the judge found Gov. Brad Little has no power to reject a clemency recommendation in murder cases under the Idaho Constitution."

ACTIONS

Sadly, Melissa E. Lucio is sentenced to be executed on April 27, 2022, less than 70 days from now. Learn more about her case and take action at https://freemelissalucio.org.

As the Olympic games come to a close and the Paralympic games get set to begin, China's deteriorating human rights situation is on our minds. This activism guide provides further information and suggestions for action.

CONNECT WITH US!

Our local group meets virtually on the first Monday of every month. Please email us at amnesty1@edmontonamnesty.or g for a link to join.

Other ways to stay connected with us include the following:

Stay well!