Flame Newsletter
IT’S ALL ABOUT
PEOPLE POWER
By Ina Chatha, Co-President of the Amnesty On Campus Group at the University of Auckland
The first time I ever encountered Amnesty International was when I was learning about the Gulf War in my history class in Year 11. I vividly remember my teacher saying Amnesty International was a watchdog that raised the alarm about human rights abuses.
I’ve always been passionate about social justice advocacy and human rights. I remember seeing an advertisement on campus for roles on the Amnesty Executive and I decided to apply, because I knew human rights was something that really motivated me.
A pivotal moment for me was in summer school last year when I took a criminal law paper. I learned about the massive role that Amnesty had to play with a lot of international criminal law cases and even the part it played in establishing the ICC itself.
The Amnesty group on campus is around 350 people. And it’s had a long history at the University of Auckland. The founding member was Vanushi Walters, who’s a human rights lawyer and a Member of Parliament. Our Executive is comprised of seven people – myself and our other Co-President, as well as our Secretary, Treasurer, Events Manager, Communications Manager and Social Media Manager.
We aim to host two events per semester. There are different ways that you can get involved with our club, for example, via writing competitions or other events that are less formalised, such as Write for Rights.
This year I co-facilitated an event centred around rights for people in prison in New Zealand. These events involve multiple experts in the area, whether that be lawyers, advocates or people from community organisations such as People Against Prisons Aotearoa, who discuss key topics for students, the public and other Amnesty Community members. And at the end of every one of our events, we give ways that our members can get involved and make a change.
A thing that I find amazing is the strong presence that Amnesty has in high schools. People can get involved at every stage of life, no matter who they are or where they come from, whether they’re in university or whether they’re working.
I think when we envision making change as individuals, it can be daunting. However, when we come together, that’s when systemic and structural change truly occurs. It’s so important to work together.
Ina Chatha, Co-President of the Amnesty On Campus Group at the University of Auckland
One human rights champion who resonates with me is Greta Thunberg. I found it incredibly inspiring that she took the risk to go on the Madleen Freedom Flotilla bringing aid to Gaza. Although she was captured by Israel, it shows the sheer resilience and determination she had in terms of fighting for human rights.
I really implore you to get involved in a club. You don’t have to be a human rights expert, an expert on politics, or an expert on law. Anyone can join. If you have a conscience, if you want to fight for change and if you support human rights, then get involved. We would love to have you.
Get involved today by joining the Amnesty Community
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This article was originally published in the July 2025 issue of Flame, Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand's supporter newsletter. To request a digital copy of Flame, please email us at info@amnesty.org.nz.
In this 60th Anniversary issue of Flame, we highlighted stories of courage that showcased the incredible power that we have when people come together to demand justice in the fight for human rights. You can help Amnesty International continue this work for another 60 years with a one-off donation today.