Amnesty Central England Conference: Promoting human rights through football on the agenda for new network

People across central England are coming together at a one-day conference to shine the spotlight on how local action can influence human rights in the UK and abroad.

The event will also be discussing the formation of a new network to make local activism more effective. Organised by Amnesty International activists from the West, East and South Midlands, the event on Saturday February 11 at Conference Aston, on the site of Aston University, is open to all over 18s.

Called Universal Rights: Local Action, the conference includes speakers, workshops, discussions and opportunities for networking. Organiser Ian Myson, activism rep for the South Midlands, said: “Universal rights are under attack abroad and at home.

Even the very concept of universal human rights is under threat. China, for example, proclaims ‘human rights with Chinese characteristics’, while the UK Government makes plans for a ‘British Bill of Rights’.

“The conference looks at how, as activists taking action locally, we can best have an impact on international, national and local human rights issues. We hope the day will provide inspiration and opportunities for learning, for connecting with other activists across the region and for sharing experiences and successes.”

Subjects up for discussion include Football Welcomes which supports refugees and asylum-seekers through soccer activities, how to ensure human rights form part of the next UK General Election agenda, anti-racism, and the future of activism.

The day will also focus on human rights abuses in countries and regions including Kashmir, Palestine and China. Speakers include Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard and AIUK CEO Sacha Deshmukh online and former Birmingham Poet Laureate Spoz and former Birmingham Young Poet Laureate Fatma Mohiuddin in person.

Amnesty International is the world’s leading human rights organisation, campaigning against injustice and inequality everywhere. There is network of local groups across Central England, see Amnesty International for more information.

Universal Rights: Local Action takes place between 10am-5pm. Places can be booked at Amnesty Central England Conference with a requested voluntary donation of £10 for adults and £5 for students.