Regional Newsletter, South, February 2026

(This newsletter is translated using AI)

Dear activists,

As you know, Amnesty International Norway is undergoing changes and a downsizing that affect how activism is organised. As a result, the roles of those of us who have served as contact persons in the region will also change going forward.

For Gunvor, this means that she will step down from her role as Regional Manager for the South and leave Amnesty at the end of March. Hildegunn will continue to work with human rights education and school visits, but not with training activities. Carina is moving to Oslo and will continue working with activism in a slightly different way.

The Regional Office in the South will remain physically present for a few more months, so you are welcome to get in touch and stop by as before. At the same time, this is the last newsletter from the Regional Office in the South and the Stavanger office. A new newsletter in a new format will be launched from March. More information about the reorganisation and future contact persons will follow.

Thank you very much for all your engagement, cooperation, and efforts. It has been a pleasure working with you!

In this group update, you can read more about:

• 4-years of war
• International women's day

• Update on Leidy from Colombia

Greetings from the regional office,

Gunvor, Hildegunn, Carina and Savå

4 years with war in Ukraine

In discussions about geopolitics, negotiations, and borders, we must remember that the war in Ukraine is about people. People in Ukraine who must spend their nights in bomb shelters. Prisoners of war and civilians held in Russian captivity. Ukrainians in Norway who fear for their loved ones still back home. They need to see that we have not forgotten them.

On February 24th, we will show solidarity with Ukrainians and demand a just peace. There will be gatherings in several places around the country, organized by Ukrainian associations, and we hope that many of you will participate.

On our Get Involved page, you will find posters and a petition that can be used during the events.

International women's day the 8th of march

The final text for this year’s Amnesty slogan has been decided, and we will march under the banner:

“Stop authoritarian leaders’ attacks on women – sexual violence is being used as torture”

Across the world, we see that sexual violence against women is being used as an authoritarian tool to silence them. This is something we will draw attention to together on International Women’s Day, March 8th.

On our Get Involved page, you will find posters and petitions that can be used during the events.

Get engaged

Good news: Leidy Cadena Torres

In April 2021, Leidy was shot in the eye with rubber bullets while she was on her way to a protest in Colombia. Afterwards, Leidy was persecuted because she dared to raise her voice and speak out about the police violence. The persecution forced her to flee Colombia and seek asylum in Norway. Many of you are familiar with her case.

The police officer who shot her has now been convicted. The length of his sentence will be decided on April 6th. The verdict is not final; both Leidy and the police can appeal.

Leydi is pleased that the police officer is being held accountable, and she has posted a video on her Instagram where she thanks Amnesty International, among others.

It will of course be interesting to see what happens next – this may not be completely over, but it is an important step toward justice for Leidy. As far as we know, no other cases from the national strikes in Colombia have progressed this far. So this is also an important victory for Colombia and the Colombian justice system.

Click the button below to watch the video we made with Leidy when she first came to Norway.

video leidy

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!