This year has been tumultuous. The COVID-19 pandemic has proven that human rights have never mattered more. Leaders across the world have pushed the norms of human rights to their limits, and people power will be the alarm to remind the world that human rights continue to be fundamental.
That is why, this year, Write for Rights will be our biggest event to date. We will be raising our collective power to push for fundamental freedoms and liberty. It is time to show world leaders both at home and overseas, that we are watching their every move.
What is Write for Rights?
Write for Rights is a moment when Amnesty’s global movement of ten million people in more than 170 countries comes together as one to take action and challenge injustice.
Every year, real change happens because of these actions. In 2019, millions took action for Yasaman, a women’s rights activist imprisoned in Iran, and her prison sentence was dramatically shortened.
Together we are powerful enough to change the world. When everyday ordinary people like you challenge injustice we move closer to a world where human rights are enjoyed by all.
2020 cases
2020 has seen communities band together in a way we’ve never witnessed before. During Write for Rights we can band together once again to challenge injustice and to make a difference in the below cases:
- South Africa: In May 2017 Popi Qwabe and Bongeka Phungula were murdered, sparking outrage across South Africa. Three years later, their killers are still free. Take action.
- Chile: Gustavo Gatica was blinded after being shot by police during protests in Chile. No one has been held responsible for his injuries. Take action.
- Saudi Arabia: Women’s rights activist Nassima Al-Sada has been detained since July 2018 in Saudi Arabia. Take action.
- Turkey: 18 students including Melike Balkan and Özgür Gür are on trial for participating in a Pride sit-in at METU university. Take action.
Theory of change – how do we win?
1 – Research and advocacy
Amnesty International research teams work with people, and the families of people, who face human rights abuses around the world. Our experts do accurate, cross-checked research into these abuses and produce reports, raise awareness in the media and directly lobby governments to do the right thing.
If there is a chance that mass mobilisation can make a difference for someone, they are chosen to be part of the Write for Rights campaign.
2 – Mobilise
Through the power of collective action during Write for Rights, Amnesty activists send a strong message to stop human rights abuses. When we mobilise, our movement can make a real difference in people’s lives. This collective action includes holding events, writing letters, signing petitions, sending tweets and even talking to the media to raise awareness and make a difference. The more we mobilise, the more difference we can make.
3 – Solidarity
As part of Write for Rights, Amnesty activists and supporters around the world send solidarity messages to each and every case. Solidarity messages bring hope to people and when they arrive in huge numbers, they show authorities that the world is watching.
4 – Delivery
We’ll deliver the signatures of everyone who takes action in South Africa to targets early 2021. Millions of other actions will be delivered, at the same time from all around the world, pressuring the people who have the power to make change happen and make a difference.
Campaign resources
Case resources
South Africa, Popi and Bongeka
Saudi Arabia, Nassima
Turkey, Melike and Özgür
Chile, Gustavo
Let us know how you go and don’t forget to post/send a photo of all your letters back to AISA’s head office at Amnesty International South Africa, 97 Oxford Road, Saxonwold, Johannesburg 2196 or info@amnesty.org.za
