Volunteers from the Rimbey Group of Amnesty International were at the Co-op mall last Tuesday, doing their part for International Human Rights Day by taking part in Amnesty’ annual write-a-thon.
“Write for Rights” is the world’s largest letter-writing event. In 2012 people in 80 countries wrote 1.8 million letters – letters to help save lives, stop torture, free prisoners of conscience, and send messages of hope to those who have been unjustly jailed; and those who have had loved ones disappear because of their stand against human rights abuses in their countries.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. letters, greeting cards and stamps were provided, along with information regarding the cases being addressed this year. Beeswax candles, donated by the Emerys’ Honey House in Bluffton, were also for sale. These are being offered for those who wish to shine a light for human rights today.
“If you have your own candle, we hope you lit it in solidarity with all those who suffer because of abuse of their human rights. It is worthwhile noting that human rights abuse occurs in every country,” said Florence Stemo from Amnesty International (Rimbey Group).