Amnesty International recently released a new video from award winning artist John Legend as part of its Write for Rights campaign.
The campaign is the world’s largest letter-writing event in which Amnesty International asks the public to write – or email, text, tweet or fax – in support of specific cases that are emblematic of its broader work on human rights both within the U.S. and around the world.
“I’m proud to lend my voice to Amnesty International’s Write for Rights campaign because I believe human rights are everyone’s concern – no matter where you live,” said Legend. “We cannot underestimate the power of the written word when it comes to affecting change in our world. It is my greatest hope that others, all over the globe, will participate in Write for Rights and join me in writing a letter to change a life.”
The letters and messages generated by the campaign have had an enormous impact. Last year alone, over 2 million actions were taken on behalf of 10 individuals and cases through Amnesty International USA. Through letter writing, Amnesty International activists have helped free tens of thousands of prisoners of conscience, people imprisoned solely for the peaceful expression of their beliefs or identity.
This year’s Write for Rights cases include prisoners of conscience, torture survivors, human rights defenders and communities facing human rights abuses. Notable cases include US Army Private Chelsea Manning, Chicago parents who lost their daughter to gun violence, women and girls impacted by El Salvador’s abortion ban, and survivors of one of the world’s worst industrial disasters. Write for Rights participants can write directly to these individuals to offer encouragement and support.
“Defeating grave human rights problems can seem overwhelming, but the power of the written word should not be taken lightly,” said Steven W. Hawkins, Amnesty International USA’s executive director. “Over the course of its 53-year history Amnesty International has come to the aid of enough people to fill Madison Square Garden… twice. So we ask you, human rights supporters around the world, to stand with us and help bring human rights home by participating in Write for Rights.”
Learn more about Amnesty International’s Write for Rights campaign and the cases here.
