Chelsea’s birthday

Short film of gathering outside Dáil Eireann on Thursday 15th December 2016, calling
for imprisoned whistleblower Chelsea Manning to be pardoned.

From left to right: Deputy Joan Collins, Senator Alice Mary Higgins and Senator David Norris holding the birthday cake for Chelsea Manning’s 29th birthday celebrations outside Dáil Eireann on the 15th December 2016. Photo by Dave Donnellan

Read more here.

With thanks to all those who sent in their photos and messages of solidarity and to RoJ for filming

Irish Campaigners Join Calls For Obama to Pardon For Chelsea Manning

TDs, Senators and human rights campaigners will gather outside the Dail today at 4pm for a photocall with a birthday cake and candles for imprisoned U.S army whistleblower Chelsea Manning, hosted by Senator David Norris. Manning marks her 29th birthday on Saturday December 17th. It is set to be her 7th birthday and Christmas in prison.

Irish supporters joining global calls for President Obama to pardon Manning include Afri, Amnesty International Ireland, TDs Mick Wallace, Joan Collins, Maureen O’Sullivan, Catherine Murphy, and Clare Daly, Senators David Norris and Alice Mary Higgins, member of the Council of State Ruairi McKiernan, and actor and playwright Donal O’Kelly. Continue reading “Irish Campaigners Join Calls For Obama to Pardon For Chelsea Manning”

Depleted Uranium Ban Bill passes through the Seanad

18 November 2010

On Wednesday evening, 17 November, the Prohibition of Depleted Uranium Weapons Bill passed through its final stage in the Seanad with cross party support. Afri is pleased with the progress of the Bill thus far, and would like to commend all Senators who have been involved in pushing the bill forward.

Senator Dan Boyle introduced the Bill as a Private Members Bill in July 2009, following a meeting organised by Afri with Doug Weir, Coordinator of the International Coalition to Ban Uranium Weapons (ICBUW). Senator David Norris has also been an active supporter of the Bill and hosted a briefing for Senators on the issue in May 2010, as was Senator Hannigan of the Labour Party. David Norris highlighted that this is only the second time that a Private Members Bill has passed through the Seanad, which underlines the special achievement. Continue reading “Depleted Uranium Ban Bill passes through the Seanad”

Human rights group calls for suspension of Corrib gas project

PRESS RELEASE, 18 January 2010

Human rights organisation Afri is calling for a suspension of all work on the Corrib gas project in Erris, County Mayo, pending an independent and comprehensive investigation of its safety, human rights, economic and environmental dimensions. Afri is asking people to sign a petition to that effect, which will be delivered to the government next month. The petition will be launched by former UN assistant secretary-general Denis Halliday in Buswells Hotel at 11.30 on Monday January 18th.

Afri chairperson Andy Storey noted that “local people oppose the project because of the dangers it poses to their health and safety, and the way in which the policing of the project has violated their human rights. People throughout Ireland have also objected to the project on the grounds that Shell and its associates are reaping the full benefits of this gas find while the Irish people – the true owners of the resource – are left with almost nothing.” Continue reading “Human rights group calls for suspension of Corrib gas project”