Amnesty International - Write for Rights 2018

• European and International Orientation
• Middelbare school
• havo, vwo
• Leerjaar 1-3

Monday 10th of December

At Werenfridus 

Your words have power

Sometimes a letter can change someone’s life. That’s the premise of Write for Rights, Amnesty’s global letter-writing campaign. We’ve been doing it for 15 years and today, it’s the world’s biggest human rights event.

Every December, Amnesty supporters across the globe will write millions of letters for those whose basic human rights are being attacked. They are people like you, continuing a long tradition of writing letters to right some of the world’s biggest wrongs.

Why do we need to take action? 

 In country after country, people’s freedom – to speak out against injustice, to live on their ancestral lands, to not be discriminated against – is under threat. Our letters, words and actions will put pressure on authorities to take immediate action, so that those who abuse and torture will be brought to justice. And those unjustly imprisoned will taste freedom once again. 

Who do we write to? 

Every year, we ask supporters to write two letters. One is to the person in authority – it could be a king, president or head of police – who can help make change happen. And the other letter is to the person (or group of people) we are fighting for, so they know we will never forget them.

Does it work? 

 Yes! Every year, real change happens because of your letters and actions. People wrongfully imprisoned are released. Torturers are brought to justice. And people in prison are treated more humanely.

Write a letter, change a life

Muhammad Bekzhanov, Uzbekistan

Journalist Muhammad Bekzhanov was released in February 2017 after spending 17 years in prison. One of the world’s longest held journalists, he was supported by thousands around the world as part of Write for Rights 2015 and our Stop Torture campaign.

Make groups of 4

Go to the website https://www.amnesty.org/en/get-involved/write-for-rights/ 

Who are we writing for this year? 

Werenfridus are focusing on four cases from the 10 people selected for the 2018 campaign.

Nonhle Mbuthuma - South Africa

Vitalina Koval - Ukraine

Nawal Benaissa   - Morocco

Atena Daemi. - Iran

Each person in the group focuses on one of these people. Find information about them & present them to your group. (10 min)

Let's write!

Leave your bags etc. in the classroom

Bring only your pencilcase

Go downstairs to the entrance

Write a letter to one of the four people in this year's Write for Rights event