Amnesty International’s “Write for Rights” campaign takes place annually around 10 December, which is Human Rights Day (commemorating the day when the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted in 1948). Write for Rights aims to bring about change to the lives of people or communities that have suffered or are at risk of human rights violations. Among the many actions that take place as part of Write for Rights, Amnesty raises cases of individuals, groups and communities with decisionmakers who can change the situation, gives visibility to those cases by organizing public actions, and brings international attention through media and internet exposure.

This human rights education activity can take place in a variety of settings, such as a school classroom, a community group, a family group, an activist group, online or offline. As a facilitator, you can adapt the activity to best suit the needs and context of the group you are working with. For example, you may want to consider what knowledge the group already has about the issues discussed, the size of your group and how to best organize the activity to allow for active participation, the physical setting of your activity and any limitations. When participants take action on a case, discuss with them whether it is safe for them to do so – why or why not?

The activities are all based on participatory learning methods in which learners are not merely presented with information, they explore, discuss, analyze and question issues relating to the cases. This methodology is very important for the wider learning objectives because participants will:

develop key competencies and skills

have the opportunity to form their own opinions, raise questions, and gain a deeper understanding of the issues presented.

take control of their learning, and shapes discussions according to their interests, abilities and concerns.

have the space required for them to engage emotionally and develop their own attitudes