In the context of the International Day of Human Rights, which is celebrated annually on December 10, Amnesty International organizes the Write for Rights campaign. People worldwide are picking up a pen to write against injustice. This year the writing campaign will also take place in Zuidwolde, where residents are committed to helping individuals who are unjustly detained or persecuted because they stand up for their rights.
On December 9, residents of Zuidwolde can contribute by writing letters in the library from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Sample letters, writing paper and greeting cards are provided. Postage costs are borne by Amnesty Group Zuidwolde. The same day there will also be an Amnesty stall at the Christmas Market in the Meeting Church, where visitors are called on to sign a petition for the Chinese journalist Sophia Huang Xueqin.
The impact of Write for Rights is noticeable. For example, Guatemalan activist Bernardo Caal Xol, who stood up for the rights of the Q’eqchi’ Maya, was released early thanks to the actions.
Chaima Issa
The Write for Rights campaign, which focuses on writing letters to authorities, aims to improve the human rights of specific individuals. This year, the focus is on Chaima Issa from Tunisia, who may face a long prison sentence for criticizing the president. Attention is also drawn to Uncle Pabai and Uncle Paul, leaders from the Torres Strait Islands who are fighting the consequences of climate change for their community.