Every year, Amnesty witnesses the power of human rights activism, despite the atrocities the world is facing. With authoritarian practices on the rise, and the genocide in Gaza, climate collapse and the erosion of civil rights dominating the headlines, Amnesty International’s annual Write for Rights campaign proves that hope can prevail, even in the darkest of times.
We have a choice to make at this critical moment in history – stand for human rights and resist together, or continue to let authoritarian practices erode our freedoms.
Write for Rights is calling on millions of people to come together to change the lives of individuals whose rights have been violated. The campaign proves how, even when it all feels too much, you can still make a big difference by doing something “little”. Writing a letter, posting on social media, signing a petition: yes, it’s that simple – you can help change the world and save someone’s life.
Since Write for Rights started in 2001, millions of people, just like you, have changed the lives of those whose human rights had been stripped from them. Since 2001, more than 50 million actions have been taken, while over 100 people featured in our campaign have seen a positive outcome to their case!
It’s easy to join in and we can honestly say that sending, posting or writing a letter really does make the world of difference to the people we have supported, with many of them sending their heartfelt thanks every year, because you’ve helped them achieve their freedom or showed your solidarity with their struggle.
Fighting for clemency
In 2023, Rocky Myers, a Black man with an intellectual disability, featured in our Write for Rights campaign. Rocky spent three decades on death row in Alabama for murder. He was convicted following testimonies blighted by inconsistencies and alleged police pressure. He was sentenced by a judge who imposed a death sentence against the jury’s wishes – a practice known as “judicial override” which was abolished in Alabama in 2017 but not applied retroactively to Rocky or others with similarly imposed death sentences.
Hundreds of thousands of Amnesty supporters called for Rocky’s release, writing letters to demand that the governor of Alabama grant him clemency and commute his death sentence. In February 2025, this was granted.
To know that so many people felt called to action is truly inspiring.
Miriam Bankston, member of Rocky Myers’ legal team
Rocky’s fight for justice is not over, as he seeks justice for violations in his case, but the threat of the execution has been stopped.
“Not only did this campaign bring awareness to his case, but it was done in such a way that honoured Rocky as a person, father, and grandfather,” said Miriam Bankston, member of Rocky Myers’ legal team.
“I know the outpouring of support meant the world to Rocky, and to know that so many people felt called to action is truly inspiring.”
Reunited with her family
Most recently, people power prevailed in the case of Dorgelesse Nguessan.
In September 2020, concerns about the state of Cameroon’s economy led Dorgelesse Nguessan to protest for the first time. During the peaceful demonstrations, Dorgelesse was arrested. She was charged with “insurrection, assembly, meetings and public demonstrations” and sentenced to five years in prison.
You reached out to us at the point when we most needed it.
Dorgelesse Nguessan
She was part of Write for Rights 2022, with thousands of people calling for her freedom. Sustained campaigning led to Dorgelesse’s release and she was reunited with her family in 2025.
Dorgelesse shared her thanks with Amnesty.
“You reached out to us at the point when we most needed it. My son was sick, my mother was sick. My being in prison had had such an impact on my mum, she was weakened by it. This campaign gave her strength. It encouraged all of us. So I don’t know how to thank Amnesty enough.”
Time to make a difference
As the end of the year approaches, it’s time to choose human rights.
This year’s campaign will feature nine individuals and groups whose rights have been violated – it’s time for you to make a difference, just as our supporters did in the case of Sawyeddollah.
Sawyeddollah fled his home after Myanmar’s military unleashed ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya. Together with his family, the teenager walked 15 days to Bangladesh, until they reached Cox’s Bazar refugee camp in 2022. He featured in Write for Rights in 2023 and following calls from Amnesty, he was granted a student visa in August 2024 and moved to the USA to study.
“I extend my heartfelt thanks to my parents, family, friends, relatives, and well-wishers who encouraged me to persevere,” said Sawyeddollah. “I am especially thankful to many individuals and organizations, including Amnesty International, without whose support this journey would not have been possible.”
Take action and change a life
By writing letters, signing petitions and sharing stories, you can make change happen.