Minutes of AIBF Group 81
Meeting of 3 November 2014
Present: Lucy (Chair), Nicola, Karen, Peter K, David, Jan, Philippe (new member)
Apologies:
Jane, Ling, Nataša, Jan, Philbert
Minutes of the October meeting: Nicola explained what happened following the
discussion at September’s meeting on organising an event to show support for the students
demonstrating in Hong Kong. Nicola contacted the secretariat and the concept was
supported by AIBF’s China Coordinator. The day originally foreseen for the event did not
work for the secretariat as other events were already planned for that week. Everyone
agreed to review the situation later in the week with a view to potentially organising
something the following week. By that time, the protests in Hong Kong had died down.
Letter writing:
Nicola had prepared a letter for the Dominican Republic, where Ana Patricia Feminin and her
family had received death threats – appearing to originate from the police – after she
claimed that family members had been tortured by the police.
David and Sophie promised to circulate their letters later.
Peter H and Lucy volunteered to prepare letters for the December meeting.
Campaigns:
R.A. Network South America
Stefania reported that the President of Colombia is
coming to Belgium for trade talks. Amnesty is calling for human rights to be part of any
agreement. Two letters were handed out – a human rights defence organisation has
received death threats from paramilitary groups.
Death Penalty
Jan reported that Japan has a new Justice Minister; her first statement
indicated that she will support the death penalty (in Japan, each execution must be
authorised by the Justice Minister). Amnesty has launched an online action
“Mon corps, mes droits”
No news
Fundraising
Pub Quiz
The October quiz attracted six teams (and the November quiz, 11). The group
discussed prizes as the price of chocolates at Leonidas has gone up so much over the years
that they now cost almost the same price as a bottle of cava – the first prize. Peter H
suggested an independent chocolate shop on Rue Franklin that could possibly create 5 euro
bags for us each month. Somebody needs to visit the shop before January’s quiz – to discuss
at the December meeting.
Candle Sales
The sales will take place in the European Parliament on 8 and 9
December. Peter K. will work with Jan to set up and operate the stall; help during the lunch
hours will be much appreciated (please contact Jan jan.hinterlang@yahoo.de). Sales in the
Council will take place at lunch time on 11, 12 and 15 December. If you are able to help,
please contact Sally (sally.bliss@consilium.europa.eu).
Awareness-raising – Chinese Dinner on 5 November
Discussions covered logistics for the evening.
AOB: The group decided to bring stamps to future meetings, making it easier for those who
cannot get to a post office to send Amnesty letters. David volunteered to bring stamps to the
December meeting. Anyone wishing to use these stamps should pay for them.
Lucy will launch a Doodle poll to find a date for a Christmas get-together.
Apologies in advance of December’s meeting: Philippe, Karen, Peter H, Lucy
Next meeting:
Thursday 8 January? To discuss, as this would normally be the date of
the first pub quiz of the year.
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