10th December is Human Rights Day across the world, because in 1948 the United Nations ratified the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Many people around the world are still denied those rights by corrupt or unfair political systems. Amnesty International asks you to send encouragement to someone in danger or unjustly imprisoned. If you've got a pack of greetings cards at home, could you keep one aside to send a friendly greeting? Your personal message will mean the world to a prisoner in a cell or a family waiting for news of a loved one.
Here are two of the messages received back last year:
"You have giving me hope and shown me a lot of love. When I read some of your letters they make me so happy that I forget about the deplorable living conditions here in Aba prison." Patrick Okoroafor, Nigeria.
"Whenever I am feeling depressed my eye falls on these cards and the loving caring feelings by thousands of supporters elivate my spirits in a second... Why should I worry in the presence of overwhelming support from all over the world."
Amina Janjua, Pakistan.
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Today's picture is a card drawn by mistertumnus, a friend from Northern Ireland. She writes:
"My card will be sent to Rita Mahato in Nepal- a woman who works as a health advisor in Siraha. She works with women who have been attacked and provides them with medical care and legal support. Her work is dangerous; in Nepal female human rights defenders are frequently harassed and sometimes killed for their work in tackling domestic and sexual violence.
Christmas is a time when we wish each other love and hope. We try to remember those who are having a hard time and we enjoy the festivities as much as we can with our friends and family. It takes very little time to remember someone like Rita who works so hard to bring hope to vulnerable people. A greetings card, like the ones we send to each other, helps to say 'You're not alone. We care.' "
mistertumnus is a fantastic writer, teacher, mother and Jon Ronson fan.
You can follow her Twitter feed, read her blog, and support the NSPCC by sponsoring her to sit down and finish her latest book!
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