What is Write for Rights?
For over 20 years, Amnesty International’s annual Write for Rights campaign has transformed the lives of people whose rights have been wronged. Using the power of their words, Write for Rights supporters have united behind a common purpose: together, we can change lives for the better.
Letter writing has always been at the heart of Amnesty International’s work and over 60 years of activism shows us that words have power.
How does Write for Rights work?
Whether you want to write a letter, join an event or organize something of your own, there are many ways to participate in Write for Rights. You can also sign a petition here to show your support.
Find Write for Rights Events Near You
Find an in-person event or join a virtual event with others in your community below. Events are being added to this map on an on-going basis. Please check back frequently for updated listings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I join Write for Rights?
You can participate on your own, join an event — or you can host your own event! We’re here to help. If you have any questions, please contact the Write for Rights team at writeathon@amnesty.ca. You can sign up here.
What is the main goal of Write for Rights?
The purpose of the Write for Rights is to mobilize millions of people around the world on International Human Rights Day, December 10th. The main goal is to use the power of letter-writing to influence world leaders to protect individuals or communities whose human rights have been denied.
Who can participate?
Everyone! You don’t need to have previous experience with human rights or Amnesty International to participate. Amnesty welcomes all those who are keen to keep shining the light on human rights. Whether you plan to participate as a letter-writer, event organizer, event attendee or donor, you’ll be making a difference.
How can I participate?
- You can register online as an individual letter-writer.
- Join a letter-writing event in your community. Check out our map of events currently organized in Canada (watch for more as we get closer to December 10th!)
- Organize your own Write for Rights event – big or small – and invite friends, family, or colleagues to participate.
Does letter writing actually work?
Yes, it does! We’ve learned that it takes persistence. Some countries can be more responsive than others and some high profile prisoners of conscience face repeat arrests. You can check out some of our past cases and success stories.
Who am I writing letters for?
Every year, Amnesty International identifies people and communities at risk of human rights abuses worldwide who urgently seek solidarity and justice. This year we’ve picked 10 cases where Canada-wide and global activism can make a huge difference, right now.
We write letters for the individuals and communities whose human rights are being abused. These letters are typically addressed to the state authorities who have power to end the human rights abuses at hand.
All the information that you need concerning case background, content, letter-writing, and address are available in the Resources page.
You can choose to write a letter on any, some, or even all of the Write for Rights cases.
Where do I find advice for writing letters?
Check out our Resources Page.
Do I have to write on December 10th?
Most people are planning to write on December 10th to mark Human Rights Day. However, some events may take place earlier or later. We will be collecting letters until January 31st, 2022.
If I don’t register, can I still participate?
Of course! However, we strongly encourage you to register because it allows us to keep you in the loop, and helps us track the impact of participation across Canada! Registration is available online up until January 2024.
What language should I use to write my letters?
Write in any language in which you are fluent and feel most comfortable.
How many letters should I write?
We invite you to set your own letter-writing goal: one, five, ten or more letters. Each letter makes a difference, especially when we remember that thousands of people are also sending letters, emails and tweets. No matter what you have time for, be sure to report your numbers so yours can be added to the global total!
Can I keep writing letters for Amnesty after Write for Rights?
Absolutely! Thousands of Canadians are members of our Urgent Action Network. This dynamic network allows members to receive an appeal from Amnesty as frequently as they choose and on the type of human rights issues that interest them. For example, you could ask to receive one appeal per month for women at risk, about threats of torture or about the death penalty.
Where can I organize an event?
You can host an event wherever you would like. You can host an in-person or virtual event. Here are some ideas of places where you could organize a Write for Rights event:
- schools
- community centres
- churches
- workplaces
- bookstores
- private homes
What resources are available to publicize my event?
Everything you need to publicize and organize your event can be downloaded from the Resources page.
Do I have to register my event online?
It is strongly preferred to register online. Your event will automatically be entered on our event website. It’s a great tool to help you organize and allows you to be linked with the all the other Write for Rights events.
Registering for Write for Rights is your pledge to participate in the event. It also gives us an indication of how many people are planning on participating and how many letters were written during the campaign.
We’ve put together letter-writing and event-hosting guides, letter samples, case videos and other resources you’ll need to make your participation powerful. Click the link below to access these materials.
GET SOCIAL
Follow our social accounts and let us know who you’re writing for.
You can also help us spread the word by sharing the campaign with your friends and followers using the hashtags #WriteForRights #W4R22 #Write4RightsWednesdays
get help with registration
Email writeathon@amnesty.ca
Call 1-800-AMNESTY (1-800-266-3789)
Amnesty International Canada
312 Laurier Ave E Ottawa, ON K1N 1H9