Every year, Amnesty International witnesses the power of human rights activism, even as the world faces immense challenges. Authoritarian practices are on the rise. The genocide in Gaza, climate collapse, and the erosion of civil rights dominate the headlines. Yet, Amnesty’s annual Write for Rights campaign shows that hope can prevail, even in the darkest of times.
At this critical moment, we all have a choice. We can stand together for human rights and resist, or allow authoritarianism to keep eroding our freedoms.
Small actions, big change
Write for Rights brings millions of people together to change the lives of individuals whose rights have been violated. It shows that even when the world feels overwhelming, small actions add up to something powerful.
Writing a letter. Posting on social media. Signing a petition. These may seem simple, but they can help save lives.
Since 2001, more than 50 million actions have been taken. Over 100 people featured in the campaign have seen positive outcomes to their cases. Every year, those who benefit from this global solidarity send heartfelt thanks to Amnesty supporters.
Fighting for clemency
In 2023, Rocky Myers, a Black man with an intellectual disability, was part of Write for Rights. Rocky spent three decades on death row in Alabama after being convicted in a deeply flawed trial. He was sentenced by a judge who imposed the death penalty against the jury’s wishes. This practice, known as “judicial override,” was abolished in 2017, but not applied retroactively to Rocky or others.
Hundreds of thousands of people wrote letters demanding clemency. In February 2025, the governor of Alabama commuted Rocky’s death sentence. The threat of execution has finally ended.
“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
In September 2020, Dorgelesse Nguessan joined a peaceful protest in Cameroon. It was her first demonstration. She was arrested, charged with “insurrection, assembly, meetings and public demonstrations,” and sentenced to five years in prison.
Dorgelesse became part of Write for Rights in 2022. Thousands of people called for her release. In 2025, she was freed and reunited with her family.
“You reached out to us at the point when we most needed it,” she shared. “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.”
Be part of the change
Write for Rights proves that when we act together, hope and humanity can win. Every letter, every signature, every show of solidarity matters.
This year, join millions of people around the world in writing for justice. Because when we come together, we make freedom possible.
