Human rights day shines light on prisoners

Published 11:43 am Friday, November 19, 2010

Human rights day shines light on prisoners

On Nov. 13, Aung San Suu Kyi was released from house arrest in Myanmar and Amnesty International called on the Myanmar government to put an end to all unjust political imprisonment in that country. The Nobel Peace laureate’s freedom is a testimony to the power of words.

Dec. 10 is International Human Rights Day. Ordinary people in our community are invited to take part by attending the North Kitsap/Bainbridge Amnesty International Write-a-thon on Sunday, Dec. 5, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Bainbridge Public Library.

By getting informed and writing letters, attendees of this event can use the power of their words to demand protection for the rights of prisoners of conscience and show solidarity with those suffering human rights violations.

I encourage readers to join us to shine a light on forgotten pris-oners. Come together to hear a local activist speak, review case sheets, enjoy some holiday snacks, and write letters. Out of the ten cases promoted last year in Amnesty’s annual Global Write-a-thon, five have been released from prison! Words are powerful and ours can make a difference.

Michael Camp

Poulsbo