Frogs…..From ‘Freedom From Torture’…....From CAAT…..Matters Archaeological…
by Bernie Bell - 10:16 on 22 February 2025
Frogs…..
The frogs are on the move! Yesterday evening, Mike went into Finstown for chips and on the way there and back saw about a dozen frogs crossing the road - he drove carefully, dodging frogs! It’s the time of year and they’re returning to their familiar ponds and pools
We’re wondering what will happen when last year’s frogs arrive at a local pool which is now soil and stones…
http://www.spanglefish.com/berniesblog/blog.asp?blogid=17080
Please, folks, think before you fill in a pond or pool – things live there.
***************************************************************************
From ‘Freedom From Torture’…..
“As a valued supporter of Freedom From Torture we wanted to update you on some important news stories of the past few weeks that have serious implications for survivors of torture seeking asylum in the UK and to share with you some of our recent and upcoming activities and events.
Last week, the government released guidelines that could make it impossible for refugees to become British citizens if they travel by small boat or other “illegal” routes.
Having escaped torture and arrived by small boat, myself, this is profoundly disappointing. It won’t deter people from risking their lives to reach safety, because there are simply no alternative routes available to them.
Instead, it sends a dangerous message that refugees are not wanted, that they will never belong – fuelling a yet more divided society and forcing vulnerable people to live on the margins.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BYU2_ID0Pk
Support torture survivors:
Survivor Women’s Group
Our Women’s Group is a safe space for survivors to heal from trauma, learn from each other & fight for their rights. But funding is about to run out. You can support the group with a gift today.
https://secure.freedomfromtorture.org/page/164111/donate/
No Questions Asked
Channel 4 News revealed the findings of our new report on how world-renowned British universities are risking teaching torturers, from some of the world’s most repressive countries. Join us now in telling unis: don’t take this
https://secure.freedomfromtorture.org/page/163429/petition/
Why Trump is bad news for torture survivors:
President Trump has previously advocated for torture - sending a terrible message to both survivors and perpetrators across the world. A month on from his inauguration, Trump continues to show disregard for human rights. US government sanctions targeting the International Criminal Court are already threatening access to justice for victims of the gravest crimes imaginable.
Such views from the US president may embolden dictators around the world to feel they can act without fear of consequences. Trump represents a grave threat to the global ban on torture. So now, more than ever before, the UK must show global leadership and reaffirm that torture is always wrong and will never be tolerated.
https://www.freedomfromtorture.org/news-and-stories/why-trump-bad-news-human-rights-torture-ban
Doctors’ Orchestra
Looking for your culture fix? Join us on 17th March for an evening of classical music, performed by an orchestra of talented doctors.
https://www.freedomfromtorture.org/orchestra
Keir’s Valentine’s card
Together with refugees, we brought Keir Starmer a gigantic reminder that 80% of us don’t support cruel policies and want a compassionate asylum system instead.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DGDDfqWIpWS/
Labour’s Bill puts survivors at risk
This government has just introduced their new immigration Bill to parliament. It scraps some of the worst Conservative laws, like the Safety of Rwanda Act, which you helped campaign against, alongside lawyers and campaigners across the country.
But other parts of the Bill are worrying. Starmer’s "smash the gangs” approach puts torture survivors at risk by further criminalising those taking small boat crossings, instead of addressing the root causes of why people flee their homes.
https://www.freedomfromtorture.org/news-and-stories/labours-new-immigration-bill
It’s only February, but as you can see - it’s already been a busy start to 2025.
Regardless of political changes and news reports, we will continue fighting for the rights of survivors and campaigning for a world without torture. Thank you for standing with us.
Kolbassia Haoussou, Survivor Leadership and Influencing Director
Contact us at info@freedomfromtorture.org or call 0207 697 7788
***************************************************************************
From CAAT….
“This week 230+ organisations from partner countries to the global F-35 jet programme came together and demanded their governments immediately halt all arms to Israel, including F-35 fighter jets.
The letter, coordinated by CAAT, has been sent to Government Ministers of F-35 programme partner nations which include: Australia, Canada, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, the UK and the US.
This global F-35 programme has given material and political consent from all Western partners, including the UK, for Israel's genocide and is allowing these crimes to continue.
A global movement of legal cases taken by civil society has grown across countries in the F-35 programme, seeking to hold their government accountable for the transfer of F-35 jets and components to Israel - in Australia, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the UK. We call on all F-35 partners to do everything in their power to immediately halt the direct and indirect transfer of F-35 parts and components to Israel.
The letter was reported by the Guardian, Middle East Eye, the New Arab, and Middle East Monitor among others.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DGNWfX6ujlw/?hl=en&img_index=1
Shawan Jabarin, General-Director of Al-Haq, who are taking legal cases around the world against arms to Israel, said:
“Israeli airstrikes, including the use of 2,000-pound bombs dropped from F-35 fighter jets, have devastated Gaza, repeatedly targeting densely populated areas, alleged "safe zones", and even shelters for displaced Palestinians, during Israel’s ongoing genocidal onslaught.
"The overwhelming evidence of Israel’s grave violations of international law makes the F-35 partner nations—all of which are signatories to the Geneva Conventions, with the majority also having ratified the Arms Trade Treaty—complicit in these actions.”
In these dark times being part of a global movement of people building a just and peaceful world inspires and move us. Your support makes this work possible.
In solidarity,
Katie
Advocacy Manager, Campaign Against Arms Trade”
**************************************************************************
Matters Archaeological…..
News From The Ness….
.
The title’s a bit of a give-away…..
https://www.nessofbrodgar.co.uk/updates-0225/
*********
Trove….
I received this from the Orkney Archaeology Society….
Take a deep breath, and dive in!
*********
North Ronaldsay Kelp…
https://archaeologyorkney.com/2025/02/20/north-ronaldsay-kelp/
Add your comment
