Amnesty International – Letter Writing Marathon at the Prague University of Economics and Business /12.-16.12./

The Prague University of Economics and Business will host the Amnesty International – Letter Writing Marathon on 12-16 December.

What is the Letter Writing Marathon?

In many countries, lawyers, reporters, activists, and ordinary people are unjustly imprisoned and persecuted for expressing their opinions, defending the rights of others, or participating in a demonstration. We are trying to help such people and others who have been victims of injustice with the Letter Writing Marathon campaign. You can see this year’s stories on the campaign website: www.maraton.amnesty.cz.

The aim of the Marathon is to write and send as many handwritten letters as possible to the governments and authorities of their respective countries to draw attention to the rights violations of specific people. The letter does not have to be lengthy, just one sentence. As well as writing to government officials, you can also write a letter, postcard or message directly to the imprisoned people or their families to show your support. In the Czech Republic alone, around 300 letter-writing events are held each year, at which thousands of letters are written. Worldwide, millions of letters are written.

How can you get involved?

You will find a table in the registration corner of the Italian building (former cloakroom) where you can drop your letter in the mailbox. You can also write your letter on-site, where you will have all the tools and sample letters to use or be inspired by.

As well as writing in groups, you can also write letters on your own whenever it suits you. Involve your family too and have a family Christmas Eve together. If so, you can sign up here: www.maraton.amnesty.cz/jak-se-zapojit.

Why letters?

In today’s digital age, a handwritten letter sent in an envelope is a tool that has tremendous power and can help create international pressure. Individual cases are appealed for at the same time in most countries around the world and the offices of ministers, presidents and prison directors are flooded with millions of letters, which cannot be ignored by the authorities concerned, who often have international reputations at stake.

Does this make sense?

Almost a third of the cases we work on with Amnesty succeed in bringing about fundamental change – releasing prisoners, gaining access to health care, allowing family visits, meeting with lawyers, etc. But there are also systemic and legislative changes, such as changes to laws that affect the whole of society. Thanks to Marathon 2020, 4 out of 6 unjustly incarcerated or otherwise oppressed victims of injustice have been helped.

Get involved too and write a letter that can change someone’s life…