Act Up! Youth Newsletter | November 2024

Edition 6 | November 2024

Dear fellow activists,

We, the creators of this edition would like to acknowledge the traditional protectors and custodians of the land on which we write, Amnesty International Australia operates, and you reside. We pay our respect to elder’s past, present, and emerging, recognising their ongoing preservation of the Dreaming through speech and storytelling.

Act Up! is back for November, focusing on the power of free speech to defend human rights – especially through the voices of young people.

We all have voices. As young activists, our voices are some of our most powerful tools! Who can forget how waves of people flowed through city streets during climate strikes? These protests were led by young people, demonstrating the ability that we have to get people’s attention when we speak up.

Climate strikes spurred by Fridays for Future and other movements show how the face of activism is changing. Greta Thunberg proved that the actions of one 15-year-old can take the world by storm. It was because of her voice, echoing from the steps of the Swedish parliament, that young people around the world responded in kind. From that single sound, over 270 cities were filled with youth using their voices. Margaret Atwood once said that “a voice is a human gift; it should be cherished and used. Powerlessness and silence go together.” Australia has relatively stringent protections of free speech, and this guarantees us all a voice. So, we also have a duty to cherish and use it. A duty not to be silent in the face of injustice. A duty not to let ourselves be powerless.

With that in mind, we – the working group – hope you enjoy this edition of Act Up! about the power of free (youth!) speech. As always, if you have any questions, feedback, or other inquiries, we’d love to hear from you through the form below!

In Solidarity,
Your Working Group

Learn about what other young people are up to, what they have to say and what they care about in the Amnesty Movement!

A Voice of One is a Voice for All: Using your voice to uplift fellow Activists

Written by Keira Peirce (Amnesty Youth Activist)

One of the first things I learnt in activism is that not everyone’s voices are listened to equally. No matter how hard we try, there will always be people who will only listen to certain voices, no matter what topic is being talked about. Sometime during your activism, you may find yourself in a position where a fellow activist is trying to tell their story or personal experience, but their voice isn’t being heard. If you know you’re in a position of privilege, if you know your voice is more likely to be heard, this is your opportunity to help make a change. Make no mistake, this is not an opportunity to speak for them and give your own two cents. This is your opportunity to uplift their voice and give them a better platform so more people will listen. Whether it be reposting their message, offering support, or writing an article about their cause (😉) there is always a way we can be make sure that EVERYBODY is being heard.

It’s that time where it’s my turn to have the privilege to be trusted to help uplift a fellow activists voice. Please take the time to listen to their cause.

The Torres Strait Islands is facing a crisis. Due to ongoing climate change, there are many places around the world that are suffering the consequences of rising sea levels, tidal flooding, and island erosion. The Torres Strait Islands is a victim of these consequences.

“The Climate Crisis means to threaten the livelihood of humanity. This is not an isolated event. It’s happening to everyone the world over and people have already been affected by this crisis for many decades now. As early as the 1940’s, elders in the Torres Strait Islander communities were writing letters to the Australian Government to tell them about the rising sea levels and the Australian Government didn’t acknowledge that this was true. This is not a new issue, we’re just now seeing the effects on a grander scale because we haven’t done anything to acknowledge it, prevent it or prepare for it. In terms of Australia, we as Torres Strait Islander, we are a part of the communities being inundated with the rising waters. The rising waters is only one factor of this global shift, floods, wild unprecedented weather, bush fires – these natural disasters are being created because we, as the human race, have offset the balance of the earth.”

This Climate crisis is not just about the physical loss of land. For generations, the Torres Strait Islands have been home to thousands of people. Now, their family, culture and life are at threat of being eroded too. This should not be happening, yet it has been a fight that’s been ignored for years.

So, what can we do to help?

When you listen to this story, you should not feel hopeless, or pity. You should feel like “you have the opportunity to have the power to fight and evoke change.”

“Torres Strait Islanders are losing their homes right now because of the rising waters. We’re not the only ones affected by the crisis in Australia, what type of future are you expecting your child, the next generation to live in? If not for you, then fight for them.”

Sign the petitions, support the fight, and let it be known that the inaction towards climate change is not ok, and this cause needs to be listened to and fought for NOW.

Amnesty International Australia is also currently involved in supporting Uncle Pabai and Uncle Paul. Click on the link to hear their story and see how you can help them as well.

To be an activist, you need to fight for everyone, not just yourself. If you have a story or cause, or know someone who does, send it in, and we can all work together to get everyone’s voices heard.

Keep fighting the good fight.

Keira.

Youth Activist Testimony

Written by Ace Young (Youth Activist)

Children are the future, that’s something we’ve been saying for centuries, but what future is being set up for them? As a young activist, I’m tired of being told to act like a kid and enjoy these years. I wish I could, but the adults aren’t acting their age and dealing with these problems, so someone must. I’m a 14 year old activist from Greater Brisbane, fighting for our governments and
people to open their eyes to problems for 3 years. I put up posters for the climate just to watch them get taken down by my school that claims to support change and vandalised outside of school. We sit in class and are taught about the big machines trapping carbon and monoxide in our atmosphere, but not how to help. We sit in class and are taught about the horrible wars of our history and how the students on the right side of the battle were protesting and marching in the streets, but I haven’t heard a word about Palestine from my teachers. We are taught to say no to bad people doing bad things, but never what these bad things look like, and never how to say no. They want to raise us away from these things and drop us in the thick of it when we graduate and realise owning a home is out of the question and retirement is a dream. When will we be taught that all these modern problems have direct links to capitalism? Not now at least, because life skills and knowledge are not school
subjects.

Education is the key to solving almost every issue on earth, but youth voices are too powerful for that to happen inside school. Kids have passion and wonder and determination, we see beauty in the world and strive to spread it and embrace it, until we’re taught that there’s all these huge issues and nothing we can do will change it because we as individuals just aren’t strong enough. That’s heartbreaking. Being taught how to write letters to the government, being taught about how all the justice issues we’ve had were solved by people speaking out, movements, protests, will not ruin a kid’s childhood. Being taught that our world is ending, the ecosystem is collapsing, and our families and friends are all going to hurt from this, but we can’t do a thing, will ruin a kid’s childhood.
Youth voices are powerful. We are powerful, especially together. There is no voice louder and angrier than a child that notices injustice. Giving young people an opportunity to learn, talk about these issues, come together in community will change the world. Not only does it encourage activism in kids, but it promotes growth, learning experiences, problem solving, social development, and of course, one of the most important things an adult will say a child should have, respect.

Amnesty Youth Activist Testimony

Written by Stephanie Yeung (Amnesty’s Leadership Launchpad Member)

I am Stephanie, an international student with multiple disabilities from Hong Kong. I studied my Bachelor Degree and currently studying my Masters at Curtin University. I’m grateful that universities here provide us the assistance that we require, that are essential for us to complete our studies. Back then, I didn’t get much support during my school years. In general, the society is more stereotyped and discriminatory than here in Australia. I have been bullied since year 3 to year 12. I have epilepsy, visual impairment, and PTSD, which is invisible most of the time. As I didn’t have a cane before I came here to Australia that my parents are willing to get me one.

I look normal like a random person on the street. However, it is still difficult for me to get a job here even though it is more inclusive compared to Hong Kong. The people here on the street is much more nice and friendly to people with disabilities but it is not the case in workforce, I think this is the reason why I cannot get a job. Also, I found that it is ironic to see that companies say stuff like ‘our company value diversity, equality and inclusion’ on the job ads when this is not the case at all. It is particularly apparent to me when I start to prepare graduating from university. I found that there is literally no support for people like me outside of university. Therefore, I started to become more passionate towards advocate for people with disabilities, have myself and the community being heard and seen. So, I joined different organisations to start with. I am hoping to increase others awareness about disability and accessibility. I have nowhere to go and stay even though I have the ability to do the work. What me and my community need is opportunities to shine.

UQ Whistle-blower Conference Reflection

Written by Erin Shutter (Amnesty Youth Activist)

Earlier this year, I had the incredible privilege of attending the Amnesty International 2024 Student Conference in Brisbane alongside some fellow youth members. This year’s theme, Whistle-blowers, Silence, and Censorship brought us face-to-face with some of the most challenging and inspiring stories of courage in the fight for justice.

Whistle-blowers are those rare individuals who, despite immense personal risk, reveal information about unethical or illegal activities within organisations. They risk everything to shine a light on the truth, often facing retaliation. Yet, their bravery fuels advocacy and justice, reminding us of the
power one voice can hold in the face of overwhelming silence.

At the conference, the case of Julian Assange was a focal point. As the founder of WikiLeaks, Assange exposed classified US documents, revealing misconduct and sparking international debates on government accountability. His actions came at a high cost—years of detention, legal battles, and a looming threat of extradition to the US on espionage charges. Earlier this year, Assange returned to Australia, but his story remains a symbol of the ongoing struggle for press freedom and the rights of whistle-blowers worldwide.

We heard from the remarkable Professor Peter Greste, an Australian journalist who, despite his commitment to neutral and balanced reporting, was wrongfully imprisoned in Egypt. For over 400
days, Greste endured confinement, accused of aiding the Muslim Brotherhood—a claim Amnesty International and large parts of the global community staunchly refuted. His story is a testament to resilience and the enduring fight for press freedom. Hearing him recount his journey was deeply inspiring, a reminder of the resilience required to stand up for truth and justice.

Ben Pennings, an environmental activist, shared another side of this fight. His campaigns against Adani’s Carmichael coal mine brought attention to environmental destruction and Indigenous land rights, sparking a fierce backlash. Facing lawsuits and intimidation, Pennings’ story reminded us
that the cost of activism can be steep, but the stakes, for our planet and future generations, are far higher.

The conference wasn’t just about hearing these powerful stories; it was a space of learning, collaboration, and connection. High school students from across the region joined in discussions, workshops, and activities that deepened our understanding of whistle-blowing and advocacy. Meeting so many passionate, driven young people reminded me of the strength we have when we come together for a common cause.

These stories—from Assange, Greste, Pennings, and countless others—are more than tales of struggle; they are calls to action. Each of these individuals have faced incredible odds but stood firm in their fight for justice. As Greste and Pennings shared with us, this fight is not easy. But it is necessary. It is right.

To anyone reading this, remember: fighting the good fight will test you. It will challenge your resolve, and at times, it may feel like you’re standing alone. But you’re not. There is a community of people who share your passion for justice, who have their own stories of struggle and triumph, and who will stand by you.

Keep speaking up. Keep pushing forward. The world needs voices like yours.

More information about Assange and Greste’s experiences can be found on the Amnesty International Website.

Youth Advisory Group: News from the Youth POV Series

Written by Erin Shutter (Amnesty Youth Activist)

Big news from the Youth POV Series! We’ve put together a free Mental Health Guide to help young Aussies find support, whether online or in-person. With a state-by-state list of Mental Health providers, it’s easier than ever to access the help you need, wherever you are.

This guide was created by young leaders who are passionate about Mental Health and want to make sure you’ve got the resources to take care of yourself. And the best part? It’s now available to everyone!

So, check it out, share it around, and know that support is just a click away. Stay tuned for more updates. Our next Youth POV event is coming soon, and trust us, you won’t want to miss it!

Find out what’s happening soon at Amnesty!

What else can you expect from the Act Up! newsletter?

As a Working Group, we are committed to publishing an edition of Act Up! once a month.

Going forward, here is what you can expect from this newsletter:

• Sharing any UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES for fun & exciting things that are happening in the movement (i.e. Youth Action spaces, campaign events, rallies/protests, training workshops, Members Forums etc.)!
• YOUTH ACTIVIST SPOTLIGHTS where we will highlight the personal activism stories of youth activists in our movement. Every story is important and valuable so get in touch if you want to share your story!
• Sharing what young people are doing within Amnesty, in their local communities, schools, universities or at Amnesty events in our YOUTH ON THE MOVE section! Get in touch if you have been doing some cool things!
• GET IN CONTACT via the form below to have your say, share your piece or even join our working group!

We want YOU to get involved and share your experiences, stories and creative works in the human rights activism and advocacy space through the Act Up! Youth Newsletter.

Thank you for being comfortable and confident enough to share what you and your community are doing for human rights. See you next month with our next edition!