Every year around Dec. 10, International Human Rights Day, people in more than 140 countries come together to write letters calling for the protection and promotion of human rights. Last year in Canada, participants contributed more than 35,000 letters to the worldwide total of 3.2 million. Did they work? Yes.
“I can never give enough thanks,” said Jerryme Corre of the Philippines. “These [letters] give me strength. It also gives courage to my wife. We are not alone in this fight. Many people also seek justice for us.”
Corre’s case was featured in the 2014 Write for Rights campaign, which influenced his case of horrendous torture by police finally being brought to court. Millions of handwritten letters from around the world can change a life.
In all cases, the messages of solidarity infused the vulnerable with stamina and courage.
All information is provided, including case histories, sample letters, pens and paper. The event takes place at the Nelson Public Library on Saturday, Dec. 12 and Oso Negro Café on Sunday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.