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Write for Rights
One letter can change a mind.
A hundred letters can change a life.
Write for Rights -- thousands of people around the world, defend people's right to protest and express themselves freely..human rights and human dignity.
Our Sacramento Write for Rights was held on December 9th. Dozens of people wrote letters to country officials demanding that people who peacefully protested are released from prison and guaranteed safety from harm.
You can still take part! Check it out at write.amnestyusa.org

Success Story
HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER FREE
Bernardo Caal Xol, a Guatemalan environmental human rights defender and teacher, worked to defend communities affected by hydroelectric projects on the Cahabón river, in northern Guatemala. In November 2018, he was sentenced to more than seven years in prison on bogus charges aimed at preventing his human rights work.
During Write for Rights 2021 more than half a million actions were taken for Bernardo and in March 2022 he was released. In a video message to Amnesty International activists, he said:
“I, BERNARDO CAAL XOL, A MEMBER OF THE MAYA Q’EQCHI’ PEOPLE OF GUATEMALA, AM GRATEFUL TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU. YOU HAVE GIVEN ME HOPE FOR THE JUSTICE, LIBERTY AND EQUALITY THAT MUST PREVAIL IN EVERY PEOPLE AND NATION.”

This is the power of our voices when we speak in unison!
Israel and the Palestinian Territories
Find out more about Amnesty International's recent report on this region, how the research was done and what the conclusions are about human rights.
Crimes against humanity in Uygher region of China
Amnesty International is calling for an independent, international investigation into grave human rights violations there.
Thank you for signing the Amnesty International petition in 2021 along with hundreds of thousands of others worldwide. The petition was delivered to Chinese officials in embassies around the world.
Actions: Hold China accountable for their treatment of Uyghurs
Watch this video
Read more about the situation
Provide solidarity to the families of detainees in Xinjiang, China
Immigrant Support Campaign:
Close ICE Detention at the Yuba County Jail, Northern CA
After years of partnership with Immigrant Justice groups in Norcal and lots of advocacy work, we are pleased to announce that the ICE Detention Center at the Yuba County Jail in Marysville has been closed! Thanks for all the hard work and time. California now has no immigrant detention at a public facility. Now let's work to close the private dentention centers in Southern California.
More information here.
Protect Human Rights Defenders:
Eren Keskin is a Turkish lawyer and human rights defender. For many years she has been an advocate for women, children, and ethnic minorities Eren has been prosecuted more than 100 times for her efforts.
We urge the Minister of Justice and other Turkish officials to assure that Eren Keskin is safe and free to practice law. Amnesty International Group 283 in Sacramento has made a commitment to monitor and support the work of Eren Keskin.
Click here for background information
Click here for a handy letter-writing kit
If you write a letter please report it here.

HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER FREE
Bernardo Caal Xol, a Guatemalan environmental human rights defender and teacher, worked to defend communities affected by hydroelectric projects on the Cahabón river, in northern Guatemala. In November 2018, he was sentenced to more than seven years in prison on bogus charges aimed at preventing his human rights work.
During Write for Rights 2021 more than half a million actions were taken for Bernardo and in March 2022 he was released. In a video message to Amnesty International activists, he said: