Regional Newsletter, May 2025

Dear activists in region south,

Summer is approaching, and many of us are settling into a slightly slower pace after a spring filled with May Day events and lots of activity.

In the coming weeks, it will be especially interesting to follow the developments around the consent law, and we will continue to highlight the situation in Gaza.

We’d also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Gry Helen, who has had a writing placement with us, on submitting her master’s thesis! We wish her the best of luck in her future career.

Holiday at the regional office in the south:
All three of us at the regional office will be on vacation during the last two weeks of July. Otherwise, we are generally available as usual.

In this newsletter you will find information about:

- Pride campaign training

- Mitt oljefond, profile picture

- Activism awards 2025

- Updates from the individuals at risk

- Come with Amnesty to Sweden with EYAM

Greetings from the regional office,

Gunvor, Carina and Hildegunn

Pride Campaign Training
Are you unsure about what you and your group can do during Pride? Or do you simply want to learn more about Amnesty’s work for LGBTQIA+ rights?

Then you should join our digital campaign training on June 11th!

We’ll go through how to take part in parades, organize events, and write opinion pieces.

In addition, we’ll discuss the situation for LGBTQIA+ people in Turkey and Hungary, as well as the setbacks we’re seeing in many parts of the world.
We'll also talk about the flag debate happening here in Norway, and what we as Amnesty can do to stand up for human rights for everyone.

The campaign training will be held in Norwegian from 18:00 to 19:00, followed by a shorter English version from 19:00 to 19:30.

Tell a friend and sign up!

My Oil Fund

Did you know that the investments made by the Norwegian Oil Fund may contributing to the suffering in Palestine?

We cannot accept this. We believe the Oil Fund is currently being managed in a way that is not in line with human rights.

Right now, the Finance Committee in the Norwegian Parliament is reviewing proposals to strengthen the fund's ethical guidelines. This is a critical moment, and we must show that many of us demand stricter guidelines.

You may have seen the campaign #mittoljefond on social media? Amnesty supports the campaign, and we hope you’ll join us!

Do you know someone who should be part of this campaign- a friend, a family member, or maybe a public figure you follow? Please reach out and encourage them to join!

There are also other forms of activism you can use to catch the attention of the Finance Committee. Theres room for creativity here.

Updates - individuals at risk

The west bank: Our campaign director Ingrid recently returned from Palestine. In a short video, she shares what she witnessed: children growing up without access to electricity and water, people denied freedom of movement, and entire villages living under occupation – with the sound of bombing in the distance.

Munther is free: Munther Amiri was imprisoned in Israel for his non-violent struggle for freedom in Palestine. Amnesty worked for his release – and now he is finally free. We recently met him, and he wanted to thank everyone who spoke up for him. In a new film coming soon, he shares how much the support meant – both to him and to his fellow prisoners.

Georgia

We’re about to launch a new campaign to support protesters in Georgia.
For more than 200 days, people have taken to the streets to stand up against laws that threaten freedom of expression and assembly. They’ve been met with violence, threats and torture. This campaign is part of our global #ProtectTheProtest movement.

This spring, we’re highlighting the stories of two people who bravely took part in the protests:

Artist Kristina Botkoveli, known as Nancy Woland, was targeted simply for joining peaceful protests. Police raided her home, forced her to strip naked and do squats – a cruel and degrading act.

Nancy is not alone. Many women who protested have faced sexual threats, harassment and violence.

We’re calling for justice and accountability. A petition and a film about Nancy’s case will be published soon.

Saba protested for a free and democratic Georgia. Because of his activism, he was chased by police, stopped in a tunnel, arrested and tortured through the night. Now, he faces an unfair trial.

We demand justice for Saba – and punishment for those who tortured him. A petition and film will be launched soon.

This newsletter will go out to all activists who are registered in groups on Min Side. Currently, I see that not everyone is registered here and ask group leaders to share with those who may not have received this e-mail - thank you!

Get in touch if you have any questions!

Are you between 18 and 24 and passionate about human rights?

This summer, you have the opportunity to travel to Stockholm with Amnesty! The Nordic Youth Meeting (NYAM) is being organized in collaboration with the European Youth Meeting (EYM). This means you'll get the chance to meet activists from all over Europe!

During the weekend, we'll explore how to continue activism in a creative and sustainable way, even as authoritarian forces gain ground around the world.

Remember to apply by June 1st! (extended)