Letter Writing Guide for Amnesty International USA and the Urgent Action Network
Quick & To the Point: Write and Send it Now. Don’t Put it Off.
Make it Short. Be Polite. Thanks.
Table of Contents
Why write letters? 2 Sending your Appeals 8-9 Amnesty International’s Mission 2 Email Tips for Effective Letter Writing 3 Fax Using shortcuts Troubleshooting for emails and fax Salutations Telephoning officials Closings Air Mail Online resources Telegram/Cable Writing Appeals Based on an Urgent Action 4-5 Beyond Letters 10 A Sample Letter 6 Variations of an appeal Suggestions for Writer’s Block 7 Other ways to get involved with AI Starting Children Can Be Rights Activists, too 11 Ending Appeals for when time is of the essence 11 Sample texts UN Documents (excerpts) 12
Revised July 2006
Why write letters?
Amnesty International’s Why write letters? Letters bear witness: It’s simple. Mission “Although the official It works. investigations still have not turned anything up, the letters and faxes Amnesty International's vision is This guide will provide you of a world in which every person you sent to our offices and to enjoys all of the human rights with the tools to write an government agencies have been enshrined in the Universal effective letter. very important. They have assured Declaration of Human Rights us that we are not alone and they and other international human have shown the government that rights standards. an entire international network is Letters can free a Prisoner aware of anything that might Amnesty International undertakes of Conscience (POC): happen to us, and is ready to research and action focused on “I am writing to inform you that respond.” preventing and ending grave after 6 years, 4 months, 17 days in abuses of the rights to physical prison, I am now free. I walked -- human rights defender Victor Manuel and mental integrity, freedom of out of the prison gate… with my Quintana, Mexico conscience and expression, and shoulders unbent, with my head freedom from discrimination, unbowed. I feel great to be free within the context of its work to again, to walk, once again, in the Letters improve prison promote all human rights. sunshine of freedom.” conditions:
-- university lecturer in history and “We could always tell when former POC Maina Wa Kinyatti, international protests were taking place… the food rations increased Kenya and the beatings were fewer. Letters from abroad were The International translated and passed around
Urgent Action Network from cell to cell...” Letters can strengthen an Amnesty International's individual: -- a released POC, Vietnam headquarters, the International “… Messages of solidarity that Secretariat (IS), is located in have been sent to me from many London. All Urgent Action Letters demonstrate that appeals are researched and parts of the world, reach my cell. written in the IS office and sent It feels like every time a letter of there is a global to the Urgent Action offices solidarity arrives, the rose in my community concerned for around the world. cell blossoms. This is a very human rights: warm feeling.” “That is the magic of AI, its -- POC Dita Sari, Indonesia ability to gather a community of The Urgent Action peoples all over the world for the Network (UAN) in the common cause of humanity and United States dignity of man and woman—not Letters can stop torture: only to lend hope to prisoners of In the US, the UAN consists of “You are not dead, because too conscience, but also give human approximately 10,000 individuals, many people are concerned about fellowship and warmth.” AI chapters, schools, faith you” -- Member of Parliament and former groups, professional and special interest groups. Individuals can -- a security agent to a political prisoner, POC Lim Guan Eng, Malaysia work on any specific types of Argentina appeals such as those listed on page 10 of this guide.
2 ♦ Amnesty International USA ♦ www.amnestyusa.org ♦ ♦ Urgent Action Network ♦ 600 Pennsylvania Ave, SE, 5th fl, Washington, DC 20003 ♦ tel: 202.544.0200 x407 ♦ fax: 202.675.8566 ♦ e: [email protected] ♦ Tips for Effective Letter Writing
Use shortcuts Closings In the beginning…
Do whatever is necessary to make Close your letter in a formal style by AI launched its Urgent Action your letter writing as quick and easy using: Network in 1973 during its first as possible. This way, letters will Campaign Against Torture. This • Respectfully, or Yours not be put off and they can be sent speedy technique relied heavily out sooner. Start by making a respectfully, on telexes and telegrams to generic file for each type of communicate urgent concerns concern; paragraphs on torture, the • Sincerely, or Yours sincerely, about torture. To learn more death penalty, disappearances, denial • Yours truly, about the history of urgent of medical care and so on, can be actions, contact the UAN office copied into your working file and to request the “UA Bio.” edited as needed. You may find it useful to refer to the sample Online Resources passages on page 7 to get your letter started and shake "writer's block.” AIUSA’S HUMAN RIGHTS
ACTION CENTER Today, AI’s Urgent Action
Network is the world’s largest http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/action/ letter writing program. Other Salutations The Human Rights Action Center is organizations, such as Global AIUSA’s central hub for online Response (an environmental There is no international standard actions. At the center, you will find letter writing organization) have for addressing authorities. These pending US legislation and urgent modeled their advocacy formalities vary according to human rights cases in the US and programs after this technique. different governmental structures in around the world, where your action each country. Urgent Actions and can make a difference. Actions in other AI appeals will usually give AI Library Online the Action Center come from all you a suggested form of salutation networks and programs of AIUSA. http://web.amnesty.org/library/ for each official. In general, you may engindex safely use: AIUSA’S URGENT ACTION The AI library contains an • Your Majesty – to Kings, NETWORK ONLINE archive of most reports, news Queens, and other monarchs. http://www.amnestyusa.org/urgent/ releases, and urgent actions
published from 1996 to date. • Your Excellency – to all The Urgent Action Network online Documents are available in heads of state, cabinet level is the central location for current English, French, and Spanish. ministers, prime ministers, Urgent Actions and information ambassadors and governors. about the program in the US. From this page, you can link to the Online Human Rights • Your Honor – for judges and monthly newsletter (which contains Documents procurators. updates on all Urgent Actions), a form for joining the UAN, this For an extensive list of United • Dear Sir/Madam – for local Nations human rights treaties, authorities, prison letter writing guide, Frequently Asked Questions about the UAN, visit the UN office of the High commanders, police chiefs. Commissioner for Human and the history of the UA program. • Dear Admiral, General, We appreciate your ongoing Rights’ website: Captain, etc. – for military suggestions for making this site http://www.unhchr.ch/html/intl officials. more useful. inst.htm For an abbreviated list of UN documents, see page 12 of this guide.
♦ Amnesty International USA ♦ www.amnestyusa.org ♦ 3 ♦ Urgent Action Network ♦ 600 Pennsylvania Ave, SE, 5th fl, Washington, DC 20003 ♦ tel: 202.544.0200 x407 ♦ fax: 202.675.8566 ♦ e: [email protected] ♦
Anatomy of an Urgent Action
Below are some guidelines to help you navigate an Urgent Action case sheet as you begin writing a letter to a government official. These recommendations can also be applied to any other Amnesty International action. The most effective appeal you can write on any action is simple, quick, and to the point.
Write as soon as you can. Try to If you have write as close as questions, please possible to the date call, write, fax, or a case is issued. email the AIUSA Urgent Action
UANetwork Office AIUSA 600 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington DC 20003 T. 202.544.0200 F. 202.675.8566 E. [email protected] amnestyusa.org/urgent/ office.
25 February 2003
UA 56/03 Fear of torture/Prisoner of Conscience
TOGO Marc Palanga (m), leader of the Union des forces du changement (UFC), Union of Forces for Change
Marc Palanga, a local leader of the Union des forces du changement (UFC), Union of Forces for Change, is being held at Kara Gendarmerie (Police station) in northern Togo, following his arrest on 22 February. There Be factual in your are concerns for his safety as he has received medical treatment at Camp Landja, military barracks, possibly for appeal . Relay the injuries sustained whilst being tortured. If you receive a details of the case On 9 February, Marc Palanga and five other UFC members were arrested by police officers from Kara. On at least two occasions they were taken to Camp Landja and tortured by Togolese military personnel. No reason reply from a as you know them. was ever given for their arrest and they were released without charge on 17 February. Do not discuss government official Shortly after his release Marc Palanga went to Sokodé, central Togo, where he received treatment for the to one of your ideology or politics. injuries sustained while in detention from 9 to 17 February 2003. He was re-arrested on 22 February on Your message must suspicion of having held a meeting in Sokodé. Amnesty International believes that Marc Palanga has been appeals, please arrested solely on account of his peaceful involvement with the UFC and considers him to be a prisoner of send the reply to be for the benefit of conscience. the Urgent Action the victim and not a BACKGROUND INFORMATION Amnesty International receives regular reports of the arrest, torture, intimidation and harassment of members of office. The UA vehicle for political the opposition in Togo, especially in the north of the country which is the stronghold of President Gnassingbé office tracks all opinions. Eyadéma's ruling party. Marc Palanga was previously arrested in October 2001 and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment after being convicted of the defamation of the President’s son, Ernest Gnassingbé. During the replies to cases and past decade, the organization has documented scores of cases where victims have been targeted because of their political or human rights activities, particularly around the time of important elections. The Togolese forwards the Presidential elections are due to take place later this year. information to AI
Amnesty International has repeatedly raised its concerns with the Togolese authorities about the widespread use researchers in of torture and ill-treatment, and about the lack of safeguards provided to people held in detention. Police are Remember the allowed by law to detain people in custody for up to 48 hours, before bringing them before a judge. The period London and of detention is renewable once, with the authorization of the Public Prosecutor. In its concluding observations Amnesty on Togo in October 2002, the United Nations Human Rights Committee, considering its periodic report under country specialists the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, noted “with concern the many allegations that torture in AIUSA, thus International is common practice in Togo, particularly on arrest, during police custody and in places of detention…...” mission. Keep your Amnesty International believes that the principal reason for the persistence of torture in Togo is the impunity helping them learn enjoyed by the perpetrators. what the official letters within AI’s mission. response is to a
Amnesty International's mission is to undertake research and action focused on preventing and ending grave given case. abuses of the rights to physical and mental integrity, freedom of conscience and expression, and freedom from discrimination, within the context of its work to promote all human rights.
You may refer to Amnesty International in your letter, unless
otherwise stated in the case sheet, however, appeals written in a personal or professional capacity will show the diversity of concern regarding the particular individuals(s) and human rights abuses.
4 ♦ Amnesty International USA ♦ www.amnestyusa.org ♦ ♦ Urgent Action Network ♦ 600 Pennsylvania Ave, SE, 5th fl, Washington, DC 20003 ♦ tel: 202.544.0200 x407 ♦ fax: 202.675.8566 ♦ e: [email protected] ♦ Choose one or two Never send the Urgent Action case sheet, or any other Amnesty recommended action, to a government official or a press organization. These case It is not expected actions to focus sheets are meant for your information only. It may prove harmful to that you send your letter around, the victim(s) of human rights abuses for government officials to letters to every in order to keep obtain UA casesheets. address listed, but your letters fast, rather that you short, and to-the- choose one or RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send appeals to arrive as quickly as possible: more. point. It is not - urging the Togolese authorities to take immediate measures to prevent Marc Palanga being tortured or ill- necessary to cover treated and to guarantee his safety; - stating that Amnesty International considers him to be prisoner of conscience and is calling for his immediate all recommended and unconditional release; - requesting that a thorough investigation be conducted into the reported beatings of the six detainees held from Addresses are not actions in each 9 to 17 February 2003 and that those responsible be brought to justice; letter. - calling on the authorities to end arbitrary arrest and detention, torture and ill-treatment of members of listed in order of opposition parties in Togo. priority; so if you do
APPEALS TO: not send appeals to President of the Republic of Togo: Use the His Excellency/Son Excellence all, pick some at Monsieur le Général Gnassingbé Eyadéma random knowing recommended Président de la République salutation for Palais présidentiel, Avenue de la Marina that other Amnesty Lomé, TOGO officials. Telegrams: Président, Lomé, Togo activists will choose Fax : 011 228 221 32 04 (Please specify : « À l'attention du Président de la République ») the other addresses. Email : [email protected] Salutation : Dear President/Monsieur le Président Sending copies to
Often actions Minister of Interior: the media (when Monsieur Akila Esso Boko listed) may spark within Amnesty Ministre de l'Intérieur et de la Sécurité International will Ministère de l'Intérieur et de la Sécurité their own Rue Albert Sarraut change, Lomé, TOGO investigations as Telegram: Ministre de l'Intérieur, Lomé, Togo well as obtain particularly Urgent Salutation : Dear Minister / Monsieur le Ministre Actions: a person beneficial publicity Minister of Justice: is freed, a family Katari Foly-Bazi for the victim(s) of Ministre de la Justice et Garde des Sceaux human rights receives more Ministère de la Justice, Avenue de la Marina threats, new details Rue Colonel le Roux abuses. Lomé, TOGO arise that can help Telegram : Ministre de la Justice, Lomé, Togo Fax : 011 228 221 22 06 in your appeal. Salutation : Dear Minister/ Monsieur le Ministre Please do not send If the title of the COPIES TO: appeals past the Ambassador Akoussoulelou Bodjona official is set apart Embassy of the Republic of Togo (italics, underlined, suggested stop 2208 Massachusetts Ave. NW date. If you would Washington DC 20008 bold), it does not Fax: 1 202 232 3190 need to be included like to continue in the address of action past this Please send appeals immediately. Check with the AIUSA Urgent Action office between 9:00 am and 6:00 date, contact the pm, Eastern Time, if sending appeals after April 8, 2003. the official. Amnesty office listed on the case sheet.
“I would like to thank you sincerely and cordially for the work you do as a member of the United States section of Amnesty International and for your interest in securing the exercise of our citizens’ human rights and freedoms. In this connection I assure you that the work you do is not wasted, because each expression of international solidarity helps considerably in reparation of injustice committed upon citizens of our country.”
-- excerpt of a letter from the Chairman of the Supreme Court in Czechoslovakia. The letter goes on to inform the Urgent Action letter writer that the Prisoner of Conscience for whom she wrote was released by presidential pardon.
♦ Amnesty International USA ♦ www.amnestyusa.org ♦ 5 ♦ Urgent Action Network ♦ 600 Pennsylvania Ave, SE, 5th fl, Washington, DC 20003 ♦ tel: 202.544.0200 x407 ♦ fax: 202.675.8566 ♦ e: [email protected] ♦ A Sample Letter Write in English, unless you Use respectful are completely fluent in the Do not discuss language language of the country political ideology or throughout concerned. Be sure your mailing politics. your letter. address is on your Use professional or personal letter so the official letterhead when available. can respond.
Write the official's
complete address. 123 Activist Avenue Nederland CO 80466 USA February 25, 2003 Always
include the Monsieur Akila Esso Boko date. Ministre de l'Interieur et de la Securite Use the proper Ministere de l'Interieur et de la Securite salutation. Rue Albert Sarraut Lome, TOGO Begin by Dear Minister Boko: stating your If not typed, main concern. make sure your I am concerned about reports that Marc Palanga was arrested on February 22 letter is written and may be at risk of torture. Please act immediately to ensure that Mr. Palanga is protected from ill-treatment while in detention at the Kara Police Station in clearly. You may northern Togo. boldface, capitalize, or Marc Palanga, a local leader of the Union des forces du changement (UFC), has italicize the not used violence to express his views and has apparently been detained several Use the victim’s victim’s name. times for his peaceful involvement with this group. Reports here indicate that many other opponents of your government have also been intimidated, ill-treated and name throughout detained without charge. I urge you to end arbitrary arrests and detention in Togo the letter. Use one paragraph and to allow Togo citizens, including Marc Palanga, the opportunity to peacefully express themselves. to give background and details. I would like to visit your beautiful country someday and hope to do so when it appears that the human rights of all citizens in Togo are respected. Thank you for looking into this matter and quickly, unconditionally releasing community activist Consider using a Marc Palanga. Please let me know when you have allowed Marc Palanga his Ask for a personal, friendly freedom. response.
comment in your letter. Sincerely, Stephanie Moore Stephanie Moore cc: Embassy of Togo, Washington D.C. Use your name and signature. Wrap up by restating your concerns and expectations of Use the term "cc:" and the title of the the official. agency or official to indicate that you are sending a copy of your letter there as well. Keep your letter brief, no more If using a computer, than one page use spell check before when printed. sending your appeal.
6 ♦ Amnesty International USA ♦ www.amnestyusa.org ♦ ♦ Urgent Action Network ♦ 600 Pennsylvania Ave, SE, 5th fl, Washington, DC 20003 ♦ tel: 202.544.0200 x407 ♦ fax: 202.675.8566 ♦ e: [email protected] ♦ If You Have Writer’s Block...
Writer’s block happens to the best Death threats to a union _____ Detention Center, are of us. Keeping a file of your leader: reported to have been tortured and messages can help give you a I seek your assurances that these I was concerned to learn of recent jumping off place to start a new students and other detainees held at death threats made against _____, a letter, by providing inspiration. _____ will be treated humanely. member of the United Below are some phrases and Confederation of Workers in sentences that may also help get you Death in detention and Colombia on August 4. She was writing again when your mind draws “disappearance”: told that she would be killed for her a blank, but remember to use them I am writing to express my concern trade union activity. I urge you to only as suggestions – it is always over the reports of the death in ensure that a full and impartial better to use your own heartfelt custody of _____, following his investigation is made into the language. arrest in Baku on January 19th. I threats, that the results are made urge an immediate investigation be public, and that those responsible conducted into the circumstances of Starting are brought to justice. I wish to appeal to you on behalf of his death and that results be made _____, who is the subject of my “Disappearance” of a public. At the same time, I write to deepest concern . . . teacher: ask you for information on _____’s whereabouts, who was also arrested I am a high school teacher from the My family and I are worried about on January 19th, and I seek U.S. I have been greatly disturbed _____, who is reportedly detained assurances that her physical safety by the news of the “disappearance” unjustly in your country . . . be guaranteed while in detention. of fellow teacher, Mr. ___ in Ankara I am dismayed to hear that _____ on June 7. I would be grateful if Death penalty: has received several death threats you would inform me of his As a long time member of Amnesty recently. whereabouts and give assurances International, an organization that I would like to take the opportunity that he is being treated well while in opposes the death penalty in all to call your attention to the case of detention. I would also be grateful cases on humanitarian grounds, I for news of his legal status. urgently request that you commute _____ . . .
Inadequate medical the death sentence of _____. His We are calling on you to ensure the execution violates the right to life as fair treatment of _____ . . . treatment of a prisoner: proclaimed in the United Nations’ I write this letter to you as a Universal Declaration of Human Ending physician, to ensure that Professor Rights. I appeal to you to ensure . . . I hope to hear from you in the _____, a prisoner held in _____ that no further executions are very near future. Prison, is given adequate diet and carried out in your [country/state]. medical treatment. I have been . . . I, and all here who share my informed that he is suffering from Arrest of a colleague: concern, would appreciate a reply pneumonia and urgently needs to be It has come to the attention of [this from you as soon as possible. Our transferred to a hospital for law firm] that three well respected concern for the basic rights of immediate attention. My colleagues lawyers in Khartoum were recently individuals in your country is not of and I here at _____ Hospital would arrested for their advocacy for the a political nature, it is simply a be pleased to hear from you as soon human rights of your citizens. We, concern for the dignity and well as you are able to ensure treatment [your names], believe these attorneys being of all humans. for this serious respiratory illness. to be prisoners of conscience,
detained because of their work as . . . Thank you in advance for your Torture of student legal professionals in Sudan. time on this urgent matter. Although we strongly urge that these
leaders: three well known attorneys be . . . Finally, in view of the above I was gravely concerned by reports information, we urge you to act immediately and unconditionally of the arrests of a number of released, until that happens, we seek quickly to remedy this situation and student leaders at the University of ask that you inform us of the assurances of their physical safety and ____ in October. I was particularly guarantees that they will not be outcome of your investigation. concerned that some of the subjected to torture or ill treatment. detainees, who are being held at the
♦ Amnesty International USA ♦ www.amnestyusa.org ♦ 7 ♦ Urgent Action Network ♦ 600 Pennsylvania Ave, SE, 5th fl, Washington, DC 20003 ♦ tel: 202.544.0200 x407 ♦ fax: 202.675.8566 ♦ e: [email protected] ♦ How to Send Your Appeals
Email The cost of sending a fax is the cost of a short international phone call. It is extremely easy to send your A fax message can be a full length appeals via email and costs you letter since it is so inexpensive to nothing but time and care. A send (in contrast to a telegram or problem with email, however, is that cable). You should consider many government officials either do including your fax number in your not have email addresses or do not message and request a faxed reply make their email addresses known from the official. If you do not have Can I telephone to the public. Thus, Amnesty a fax machine at your home or officials? actions will not always list email office, many local print shops will Some Urgent Actions deal with addresses for all government allow you to use theirs for a fee. A cases of extreme emergencies in officials. variety of web-based companies will which telephone calls to officials send your emailed appeal as an If you receive your Urgent Actions are requested. You may see a international fax. One such service via email, you might find it useful to telephone number in the address provider is Faxaway at cut and paste brief portions of the section of the UA. If possible try http://www.faxaway.com (phone: 1 action into your own message. to find a friend or colleague who 800 906 4329). You should check However, please do not send or speaks the language of the target with your own internet service forward the original Urgent country to make the phone call; provider for others. Action directly to the official. A however, speaking slowly in message composed by you that English is usually acceptable. Be reflects your concern written in your Troubleshooting for polite but firm in relaying the own words will be the most Emails and Fax concerns set out in the UA. effective. Carefully consider how Most importantly, be certain that you compose the subject line of Problems with fax numbers and the name of the victim is spelled your email: it should encourage the email addresses often exist. When a slowly and is clearly understood. official to open your email, so be government official's fax or email is Important information is polite and thoughtful when listed on an Urgent Action which is sometimes gotten from a phone choosing your words. For example: distributed globally to activists in call. If you get any new "Asking for Your Help to Find over 80 countries, you can imagine information on the victim, Roberto Daman Lopez.” how many faxes and emails begin to please call the Urgent Action come in to the official’s office. This If you want to forward the Urgent office as soon as possible at often results in the official's email or (202) 544 0200 x407. Action itself to a friend, colleague or fax being turned off for a period of fellow Amnesty International time. Officials may even activist, please send the complete permanently discontinue service for text of the UA as it was sent to you that address or number. For faxes, An Amnesty writer, Nora, wrote without editing its content. another problem may arise when a fax to Swaziland on an appeal inadequate phone lines in the case. Her phone rang on Fax country of destination sometimes Tuesday night at 3:00 in the thwart international calls. A Most actions will include the fax morning. There was no one persistent busy signal or bounced there. It rang again at 6:00. numbers of one or more email message may mean that other government officials. This is an Someone from a police station in activists are faxing or emailing in Swaziland explained that he had immediate, fairly inexpensive way to their appeals, which is a good thing! communicate your concerns to received page one of her fax but Have patience and keep trying. If not page two. He was wondering governments. Because your faxed you cannot get through on an email message is received as it appears, if she would kindly resend page address or fax line for a long period two! you can send petitions with of time, please airmail your letter so signatures. You can use a letterhead that the official hears your concerns that will help to individualize your in a timely manner. appeal and make it more effective.
8 ♦ Amnesty International USA ♦ www.amnestyusa.org ♦ ♦ Urgent Action Network ♦ 600 Pennsylvania Ave, SE, 5th fl, Washington, DC 20003 ♦ tel: 202.544.0200 x407 ♦ fax: 202.675.8566 ♦ e: [email protected] ♦
Air Mail Telegram/Cable
A telegram is an expensive way to “A few days after AI Nepal send your appeal, however, it can launched the China Campaign, offer an effective method of getting three of our members were the attention of an official. In terms suddenly arrested while collecting of cost, telegrams and cables should signatures… Our ordeal lasted be thought of as a last resort, three days, after which we were utilized because of the extreme Sending an airmail letter to a released unconditionally. Later, nature of the case. We suggest that government official is sometimes we found out that the Prime you send your appeal as a telegram the most feasible way of Minister's office had been only at times when the situation is communicating your concern about flooded with letters, faxes, particularly urgent and as your a victim of human rights abuse. telegrams and e-mails from group's or your own budget allows. When fax numbers and email people around the world Telegram cost is calculated per addresses do not work, or if you do demanding our release. word. Since abbreviations and not have access to a fax machine or punctuation such as commas and “Before this happened, when I the web, consider sending an airmail periods count as words, omit them prepared and wrote Urgent letter. Ideally, your letter should be and all unnecessary words and Action appeals, I used to try to one page and include your signature articles whenever possible. The text imagine the value of letters to and return address so the official of the telegram should be short and victims of human rights abuses. can respond to your concerns. Air to the point. The signature should But when we ended up behind mail postage rates often change. The include your name and mail or email bars ourselves, we directly current rate, as of July 2005, is 80 address so that the official can experienced what a letter is cents for one ounce (one page letter respond to your appeal. Here is an worth.” with envelope) to most countries; to example of the truncated language Mexico and Canada: 60 cents. You -- Anil Pant, Director and UA used in telegrams (also called can always check the international Coordinator for AI Nepal cables). postage rate for specific countries
and types of delivery at EXTREMELY CONCERNED http://ircalc.usps.gov/ Postcards ABOUT NEWS REPORTS HERE “We try and explain to the street are also highly effective. Postcards THAT ______HAS BEEN children about the letters and the cost 70 cents to most countries, 50 PLACED IN ISOLATION AND fact that people DO care about cents to Mexico and Canada. You DENIED FAMILY AND LAWYER them. They look at me can buy pre-stamped postcards at VISITS. PLEASE ALLOW MORE disbelievingly and ask, ‘Why the post office. If you buy them HUMANE TREATMENT OR would people so far away care elsewhere, be careful about the UNCONDITIONALLY RELEASE HER NOW about us when people here beat image on the front of the card; do and kill us?’ not choose anything which might be deemed disrespectful or (Approximate cost of this telegram I am still searching for an answer. inappropriate to postal workers, sent to Cuba: $85.00.) 7/05 I do not know WHY letters work government officials, or anyone else – why uniformed murderers in the country where you are There are several companies that should care about the mechanic sending it. can send a telegram for you. You from Iowa who writes to them may find a listing of them in the about a murdered street child in "Telegraph Services" section of your Guatemala City... But they do. So local Yellow Pages directory. we must write – and keep on writing.”
-- Bruce Harris, director, Casa Alianza, Costa Rica
♦ Amnesty International USA ♦ www.amnestyusa.org ♦ 9 ♦ Urgent Action Network ♦ 600 Pennsylvania Ave, SE, 5th fl, Washington, DC 20003 ♦ tel: 202.544.0200 x407 ♦ fax: 202.675.8566 ♦ e: [email protected] ♦ Beyond letters
Variations on an Urgent Other ways to be involved Action appeal with Amnesty
Once you have the basics down for International writing an effective letter, the There are many ways to be involved The Urgent Action Network possibilities are endless. Letter with Amnesty International. The consists of individuals and writing can and should be creative basics of letter writing carry over groups from all walks of life. and fun. While the largest portion into all programs and networks – Individuals and groups have of AIUSA’s Urgent Action Network letter writing is at the core of what varied and specialized interests: is made up of individual letter AI does best. If you are looking for from journalists to attorneys, writers, all Amnesty International a way to get more involved, freelance photographers to community groups and student consider getting involved with: international businesspersons, chapters receive monthly Urgent health professionals to students, Actions. Urgent Action appeals can • Local community or your appeals help victims of be sent as: student Amnesty chapters human rights abuses.
• AIUSA steering committees • Postcards to officials While we encourage members to or working groups participate in all types of actions, • Letters to the editor in your • Human Rights Action we also provide categories of local paper Center (at amnestyusa.org) Urgent Actions to members who • Campaigns wish to write on special or • Telegrams/Faxes • Casework and Special professional interests. Please • Emails Focus Cases contact the Urgent Action office • Children’s Human Rights if you are interested in receiving • Petitions Network regular actions on:
• Pre-written letters to • Corporate Action Network • artists circulate at a local farmer’s • Crisis Response • business people market, town festivals, faith • Freedom Writers Network • children (under 18 years) group meetings, retirement • Government Action • conscientious objection homes, coffee shops, and Network • death penalty brew pubs • Human Rights Education • educators/students Network • Local radio station • environmental activists broadcasts • Interfaith Network for Human Rights • health professionals • Legal Support Network • human rights defenders • OUTfront (AIUSA’s • indigenous people program on LGBT human • journalists/writers rights) • legal professionals • Women’s Human Rights • physical scientists Network • political leaders • For more information on any of prisoners of conscience these volunteer opportunities or • refugees programs, visit www.amnestyusa.org • religious leaders or call the AIUSA Regional office • sexual orientation nearest you at 1 - 866 - A REGION • social scientists • torture • unionists
• women
10 ♦ Amnesty International USA ♦ www.amnestyusa.org ♦ ♦ Urgent Action Network ♦ 600 Pennsylvania Ave, SE, 5th fl, Washington, DC 20003 ♦ tel: 202.544.0200 x407 ♦ fax: 202.675.8566 ♦ e: [email protected] ♦ Children Can Be Human Rights Activists, Too!
For a victim of human rights abuse, hope may disappear as she feels “forgotten.” Among the most powerful voices in restoring hope in a victim and in appealing to authorities for justice are those of children. Encouraging children to participate in letter writing also benefits the children who write the letters: they gain skills in writing and composition, develop an understanding of the world, and realize they have the power to effect change.
Each month the Urgent Action program publishes and distributes an AIKids’ Urgent Action. The AIKids’ Urgent Dear Excellency: Action program also provides letter writing opportunities from other Amnesty International materials throughout the I want to tell you that there’s a year, such as the national Special Focus Cases, the annual child in Turkey that is having all Summer Postcard Action, a Holiday Card Action, and an of his rights violated except Earth Day edition. AIKids’ actions and resources are online one, his shelter. His name is at www.amnestyusa.org/aikids/. Mehmet ali Gerdi. He got sent
to jail because he’s a Kurd and Teachers, parents, after-school program leaders, and scout the police only want Turks in and camp counselors are just some of the people who enjoy working with the country. He’s only 9 years youngsters aged nine to fourteen on letters to officials, which can save old; that’s as old as me! I was young children and teens from government mistreatment and threats. If wondering if you can help him you know a young person, teacher, or a teen interested in doing a get out of jail. I hope you can. community service project working with children, contact the UA office
From, for an AIKids’ starter packet. AIKids’ actions are also available in Spanish. Arthur The UA Literacy Edition program is available for those working with adult literacy groups or in English as a Second Language (ESL) classes.
Pledging Your Support, Even When You Are Short of Time In 1975, AIUSA's Urgent Action program recognized the growing need for a speedy response to threats of torture and execution by launching its FIRST APPEAL Pledge Program (FAPP). What began as a telegram tree, run by half a dozen office volunteers in San Francisco, is now a cutting-edge pledge program that permits the UA office to write and send individualized messages by fax, telex, telegram, or international letter service under the signatures of members who have pledged to pay for these prompt communications. While email is becoming increasingly popular as a rapid form of global communication, FAPP still ensures that on every UA case rapid 25/FEBRUARY/2003 communications are sent to every authority, even when the officials do not MONSIEUR AKILA ESSO BOKO have email or fax. Messages are sent on each Urgent Action within hours of MINISTRE DE L'INTERIEUR LOME (TOGO) reception of the case in the UA office. SEEKING ASSURANCES THAT MARC PALANGA IS NOT TORTURED WHILE In addition to ensuring a prompt kick-off response to daily Urgent Action HELD AT KARA GENDARMERIE IN cases, FAPP messages are an important way to ensure a US response to the NORTHERN TOGO. HE HAS BEEN DETAINED SINCE FEBRUARY 22. Worldwide Accelerated Response Network (WARN). WARN is an off- YOUR IMMEDIATE ASSURANCES THAT hours mechanism in which individuals in over 20 countries commit to taking PALANGA IS NOT HARMED IMPERATIVE. immediate action on case information from AI researchers on weekends, evenings, and holidays. WARNs are issued when there is no time to prepare STEPHANIE MOORE 123 ACTIVIST AVENUE and distribute a full Urgent Action case sheet, but immediate faxes, NEDERLAND CO 80466 telegrams, or telexes are urgently required. To become a FIRST APPEAL UNITED STATES pledger or learn more about this program, contact the Urgent Action office or visit www.amnestyusa.org/urgent/fapp.html.
♦ Amnesty International USA ♦ www.amnestyusa.org ♦ 11 ♦ Urgent Action Network ♦ 600 Pennsylvania Ave, SE, 5th fl, Washington, DC 20003 ♦ tel: 202.544.0200 x407 ♦ fax: 202.675.8566 ♦ e: [email protected] ♦ Portions of International Human Rights Documents Strengthen your appeals by citing from relevant United Nations documents. Below are some relevant articles from four UN documents. For a full list of UN human rights treaties, visit http://www.unhchr.ch/html/intlinst.htm
STANDARD MINIMUM RULES INTERNATIONAL COVENANT FOR THE TREATMENT OF ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND PRISONERS CULTURAL RIGHTS www.unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/h_comp34.htm http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/a_cescr.htm
• Article 24: The medical officer shall see and • Article 11: (1) The States Parties to the present examine every prisoner as soon as possible after his Covenant recognize the right of everyone to an admission and thereafter as necessary, with a view adequate standard of living for himself and his particularly to the discovery of physical or mental family, including adequate food, clothing and illness and the taking of all necessary measures; the housing, and to the continuous improvement of segregation of prisoners suspected of infectious or living conditions… contagious conditions; the noting of physical or • Article 12: (1) The States Parties to the present mental defects which might hamper rehabilitation and Covenant recognize the right of everyone to the determination of the physical capacity of every enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of prisoner for work. physical and mental health… • Article 37: Prisoners shall be allowed, under necessary supervision, to communicate with their UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF family and reputable friends at regular intervals, both HUMAN RIGHTS by correspondence and by receiving visits. www.unhchr.ch/udhr/lang/eng.htm
• Article 3: Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person. • Article 5: No one shall be subjected to torture or DECLARATION ON THE to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or PROTECTION OF ALL PERSONS punishment. FROM TORTURE AND OTHER • Article 9: No one shall be subjected to arbitrary CRUEL, INHUMAN OR arrest, detention or exile. • Article 10: Everyone is entitled in full equality to DEGRADING TREATMENT OR a fair and public hearing by an independent and PUNISHMENT impartial tribunal, in the determination of his (the Torture Declaration) rights and obligations and of any criminal charges www.unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/h_comp38.htm against him. • Article 22: Everyone, as a member of society, • Article 8: Any person who alleges that he has been has the right to social security and is entitled to subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman or realization, through national effort and degrading treatment or punishment by, or at the international co-operation and in accordance instigation of, a public official shall have the right to with the organization and resources of each complain to, and have his case impartially examined State, of the economic, social and cultural rights by, the competent authorities of the State concerned. indispensable for his dignity and the free • Article 9: Wherever there is reasonable grounds to development of his personality. believe that an act of torture has been committed, the • Article 26: (1) Everyone has the right to competent authorities of the State concerned shall education… promptly proceed to an impartial investigation even if there has been no formal complaint.
12 ♦ Amnesty International USA ♦ www.amnestyusa.org ♦ ♦ Urgent Action Network ♦ 600 Pennsylvania Ave, SE, 5th fl, Washington, DC 20003 ♦ tel: 202.544.0200 x407 ♦ fax: 202.675.8566 ♦ e: [email protected] ♦