Amnesty
International Group #642
and Student Groups from UMD, CSS and Central High School
April 2006
1. The Group was updated on the Special Focus Case. Mr. al-Humsi has been released and Midwest groups now have a new Special Focus Case - Ms. Ma Khin Khin Leh imprisoned in Myanmar (Burma). The Group took action by writing letters on Ms. Ma Khin Khin Leh's behalf. The Group planned to show a film on the human rights situation in Myanmar in early Fall and have a large, coordinated letter writing campaign.
2. Bret distributed Denounce Torture posters to representatives of the student groups. The posters are already displayed around Duluth and will be displayed at local universities, colleges and high schools.
3. The 2005 resolution opposed to bans on gay marriage was discussed. Local Group 642 agreed to work with organizations in Wisconsin and Minnesota to oppose attempts at adopting discriminatory Constitutional amendments. Fair Wisconsin will be canvassing in Superior on 22 April from noon to 2. Anyone interested in helping should contact Travis.
4. Warren Howe is now Local Group 642's Urgent Action Coordinator.
5. Discussed community outreach, including how to create student groups at Denfield High School, East High School, Harbor City School and Marshall High School as well as to grow the Local Group.
6. Jan informed us about the Duluth Human Rights Commission and other local organizations working on human rights issues in the Twin Ports. Links to these organizations have been put up on the Local Group's website under Other Sites.
7. The Groups discussed the upcoming Annual General Meeting, including in particular the resolutions to be considered.
8. The UMD Student Group will table at Take Back the Night.
9. 22 April is the date for the Free Democracy Summit.