Your words can shine a light on human rights abuses and help save lives. Join hundreds of thousands of caring individuals around the world by participating in Amnesty International’s Write For Rights Global Write-a-thon December 3rd through 11th.

This year Amnesty is highlighting 14 cases that include a wide range of human rights abuses and issues that include women’s rights, freedom of expression and youth activism.

Last year, letters and cards from ordinary folks around the world helped to improve the lives of people in China, Burma, Iran, Iraq, Indonesia, the USA and dozens of other countries.

Visit Amnesty’s website for how-to-guides, action materials, posters, media kits, lesson plans and sample letters (like the one below).

Premier Wen Jiabao

The State Council General Office

2 Fuyoujie, Xichengqu

Beijingshi 100017

PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

Fax: 011 86 10 65961109 (c/o Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Your Excellency:

I write out of concern for Liu Xiaobo, 2010 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, who was given an 11-year prison sentence in December 2009 for calling for political and legal reform in China.  His imprisonment is a clear attempt to prevent him from carrying out his peaceful and legitimate human rights activities.

I urge you to stop the use of broad and vaguely defined charges such as “subversion” to arbitrarily detain and prosecute activists, journalists and internet users.  The detention, restriction, and harassment of peaceful human rights activists has increased in recent years, running counter to promises made by officials in China’s National Human Rights Action Plan 2009-2010.

I urge you to release Liu Xiaobo immediately and unconditionally and to lift the surveillance and severe restrictions currently placed on his wife Liu Xia.  I also call on your government to ensure Liu Xiaobo has access to his family and lawyers.

Sincerely,