Parramatta Action Group launched

The Parramatta Action Group was launched on June 24 to coincide with the World Refugee Week. There was a strong show from the community in Parramatta for the first Info Night, held in the Parramatta City Library, to share and exchange views on human rights. Residents from diverse backgrounds had come for the first meeting, reflecting the strong multiculturalism in the area.

Representatives from Amnesty International told members about the organisation’s history, background and human rights campaigns it is involved in. They also spoke on what an action group is, its impact on human rights and how the community can be an active part of it. Members from the Epping group spoke about their group and the activities members of the group undertake regularly.

Parramatta residents also discussed how they would like to be involved in the action group. At the end of the meeting, they signed a petition calling on the Australian Government to end the discriminatory suspension on the processing of asylum applications. The petition also calls on all political parties to deal more humanely with asylum seekers who come to Australia.

The new Parramatta group brings to almost 30 the Amnesty International Action Groups throughout NSW that meet, organise events and mobilise support around human rights campaigns. Action Groups make an invaluable contribution to Amnesty International’s work protecting and defending human rights around the world.