Minutes of AIBF Group 81
Meeting of October 2nd 2014
Present: Nicola (Chair) Gareth (for the first item), David, Stefanie, Peter K., Marral
Apologies: Jane, Ling, Nataša, Jan, Philbert
Minutes of the meeting of September 3rd:
No comments
Democracy Protests in Hong Kong
Gareth hoped there was something we could do to support the young protestors in
Hong Kong, and urged members to come forward with ideas. He proposed a demonstration
(outside the Hong Kong Trade Mission/on the EP esplanade/in Place du Luxembourg) -the Chinese Embassy being too remote -- perhaps on Thursday lunchtime 9th October, and
we would discover if A.I.B.F. was planning anything. Events were changing quickly, and
Gareth would investigate what sort of message we could promote, and other arrangements
such as publicity, and come back to the committee with a proposal if the idea seemed feasible.
Letter writing:
The meeting received for despatch Peter K.’s letter to the President of El Salvador on
the repercussions of the government’s hard line policy on abortion.
David and Nicola offered to prepare letters for the next meeting; Sophie was
“volunteered” for a letter in her absence. Nicola is owed money for all the stamps used in the
letter-writing evening of July 25t and David undertook to reimburse her for this
expenditure.
Campaigns:
R.A. Network South America
The Inter-American Court of Human Rights criticised
the indifference of the Ecuador government to the rights of local peoples in the Sarayaku
region of the Amazon, whose environment was polluted in various ways by the CGC
company searching for oil. The government is to make a public apology at a ceremony
(October 1st) and put right some of dangerous mess created by the company.
Death Penalty
Exceptionally this year, there will be no action by AIBF on the
International Day against the Death Penalty (10h October).
“Mon corps, mes droits”
No developments have been reported from the Secretariat.
Fundraising
Pub Quiz
The previous quiz (25th September) attracted 8 teams, but had suffered
problems with the P.A. system, and a set of questions judged to be “too difficult”. Nicola
would organise the next evening (October 16th) and Peter K. agreed to call the questions;
the team was eventually completed by Jane and Nataša.
Principal Event - Chinese Dinner on November 5th
Lucy agreed to administer this event and Jan would coordinate the EP aspects. The
character of the dinner was turning towards a “celebration” of Gao Zisheng’s release and a
promotion of public awareness of his situation. The A.I. European Union office was pursuing
speakers; the previous moderator was still free and willing; we hoped for the participation of
MEP Edward Macmillan Scott. Helpers will be needed on the night to deliver food & drink,
and clean up afterwards.
European Parliament Sales
The “Charity Days” when we can sell A.I. candles etc.
are planned for December 8th & 9th. Peter K. will work with Jan to set up and operate the
stall; help during the lunch hours will be much appreciated. Sally Bliss will report her stock
& needs to David who will then order as necessary.
Next meeting:
Monday November 3rd
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