In August 2011, two representatives from Asia Pacific Youth Network were invited to observe Amnesty International’s International Council Meeting in the Netherlands. Below are two messages from them about how it went, what they thought and what other’s though of YOU(th) in the APYN!
I am invisible but you can see me
By – R
I was very honoured to be one of the representatives of Asia Pacific Youth Network (APYN) in 30th ICM of Amnesty International (AI). This was a good opportunity for me to gain an unique insight of AI, share my experiences with others, and also learn from them.
However, I have deep concern, I have deep fear. I should be a person that no one could see, but for the struggle, for the cause I should speak up. Because, dignity is something that you cannot compromise, it is something that you cannot sacrifice. Even you know there is only deep dark, ignorance, indifference around you. As you cannot speak to the people you are fighting for, you cannot negotiate the ideas of your loved ones for their safety. Most of the time you are just a person , holding a candle in the dark corner, as one of the inspiring guest speakers said —- this is the sacrifice we have to make for our community. Fortunately enough, I know there are so many wonderful people around from AI, show their supports, show their solidarity. I did remember the hugs from some other participants, so warm!
I am aware that without struggle there can be no development. With the courage I got from those wonderful people I will continue my journey, I should do all the little things I can, as from little things big things grow.
APYN at the 2011 Amnesty International ICM
By – T
Attending Amnesty International’s (AI) International Council Meeting (ICM) as a representative of the Asia Pacific Youth Network (APYN) was an incredible experience, one that I may not match again in my life. We attended as observers in order to share the experiences of the diverse community of young people taking action all over the region that is APYN and also to learn from young people from all around the world about what they have been doing to promote and protect human rights. The most important lesson that I take home is the power of youth is everywhere coming out of the woodwork and raising its collective voice – and that the work that APYN members are doing is inspiring similar work in other parts of the world.
We made wonderful friends and learned about different cultures and different approaches to human rights activism from all around the world. With participants and volunteers from over 70 countries, it was a truly colorful and global experience when the lights went down for cultural events each night as well as when it came to varied opinions within working groups and meetings.
Every morning young people gathered at the action desk to plan the creative action for the day. Despite having a captive audience of committed activists, we decided that the morning plenary sessions of over 400 people were the perfect testing ground for flash mobs and theater-based activism. One highlight of many was arresting and handcuffing the AI Secretary General and demanding signatures for his release.
A reflection I heard from many other young people in attendance that I want to echo is that most important day of the whole week was the first day, Youth Day. Not only did we set our objectives for the week, we also were able to share in some detail the range of activities that APYN members have been doing to Demand Dignity, End the death penalty, stop violence against women, and all the countless other (over one hundred!) campaigns and actions we’ve been taking. I was and am very proud to be a member of our network.
