We had a busy meeting, dealing with a range of issues. We marked the 5th anniversary of the Syrian Uprising by contacting our local MPs and asking them to write to the Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond, to ensure that the UK Government champions human rights benchmarks at the ongoing Syrian Peace talks, and lobbies to end unlawful attacks on civilians.
Mindful of the threats to the Human Rights Act, we circulated a petition calling on the Justice Secretary, Michael Gove, to save an Act that maintains those fundamental rights we all have as human beings.
To mark International Women’s Day on 8th March we were anxious to show solidarity with the young women of Burkina Faso in West Africa, where physical and sexual violence against women and girls in early and forced marriages is common. Amnesty is working directly with five of the Shelters set up for them, and we made decorative bunting to show our support.
Some members had attended the South West Regional Conference in Exeter last month, and gave an account of the topics covered, including Human Rights, Roma, China, Drugs Policy and Asylum issues.
We had a letter of apology from Rebecca Pow MP, who was unable to attend our debate on Human Rights held on 14th March at Taunton School.
Please note: our next meeting on Tuesday 12th April at 8pm will be held at a different venue: the Taunton Quaker Meeting House, 13 Bath Place, TA1 4EP. All are welcome.
Amnesty International Taunton Local Group 
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