Belleville Amnesty International promotes Write for Rights

By Tyler Renaud

BELLEVILLE – For humanitarians and social activists in the Belleville area, an opportunity is coming to join one of the biggest movements for human rights.

Wednesday, Dec. 10, is International Human Rights Day, and for Belleville’s Amnesty International Group, a part of that is backing the Write for Rights movement.  Those attending the event will be asked to write a letter. The letters produced are intended to pressure governments to release and recognize the rights of those imprisoned for their opinions or political views.

The  focus of this year’s Write for Rights is on people at risk in the South America, China, Saudi Arabia and the United States, as well as disadvantaged groups like communities in South Africa, according to Amnesty’s Write for Rights website.

Last year concerned people from over 140 countries sent almost 2.4 million letters for Write for Rights, according to Amnesty International.

The resulting political pressure resulted in two people’s freedom being restored. Yorm Bopha, a housing-rights activist from Cambodia, and Vladimir Akimenkov, a peaceful protestor from Russia, were both released because of the actions of unnamed global citizens, according to Write for Rights.

The Belleville event takes place Dec. 10 at the Core Cafe at 223 Pinnacle St. between 1:30 and 7 p.m.