Amnesty International

By Mercy Funmilola Olabiyi

Amnesty International, a non-governmental organisation advocating for human rights in partnership with the National Association of Students of English and Literary Studies organised its School Tour in OAU on 14th November 2023.

The event ‘Write for Right’ aimed to educate students about the power of their pens in advocating for human rights. The event was held at 10:30 am, with the host and collaborator present to kick things off.

The event began with a powerful speech by the collaborator, who spoke about the importance of raising awareness and taking action to protect human rights. They stressed the role of writers and their words in promoting change and making a difference in the world.

Various cases of individuals who had been denied their human rights in different countries were discussed, and how writers have helped them fight for justice by writing letters and posting about their stories on social media. The organisation highlighted the importance of advocacy beyond the courtroom, emphasising the role of writers in amplifying the voices of the oppressed.The organisation called on students from the English department to use their writing skills to advocate for human rights and bring justice to those in need.

The event covered a variety of topics related to the intersection of justice and literature, including standing up for human rights, the challenges faced by human rights advocates, and the role of writers in amplifying the voices of the oppressed.

The event explored different topics of concern such as: standing up for human rights, challenges facing human rights advocates, the relationship between justice and literature, and many more.

A panel session was held which included four panellists: Taofeek Ogunperi (former PRO of the Student Union), Taiwo Lawal Fatimoh, Praise Oluwaseun ORE-EWI, Itiola Oluwatosin Esther.

The panellists discussed a range of topics, including the importance of using social media to raise awareness about human rights issues, the role of literature in highlighting injustices, and how to advocate for change in the face of opposition.

The discussion was lively and thought-provoking, with students offering their perspectives on the topics. The panellists also shared their experiences of advocating for human rights and the challenges they have faced.

The atmosphere was lively and engaging, with various presentations from students. There was a sense of excitement and energy in the room, as everyone was eager to learn more about every topic.

The ‘Write for Right’ event was a tremendous success, with over 100 students in attendance. This event was one of the most notable achievements of the NASELS Exco, and it’s clear that their work is having a positive impact on the university community.

Overall, the ‘Write for Right’ event was a success, providing a valuable platform for students to learn about the power of writing and advocacy in the fight for human rights. The discussion was informative and inspiring, and everyone left feeling energised and motivated to make a difference.