A “Write for Rights” event was held at Javaroma on the morning of Dec. 9.
The event coincides with International Human Rights Day, which falls on the second Saturday in December each year. The campaign encourages letter writing for individuals worldwide facing challenging situations.
“Our group in Yellowknife selected four individuals on whose behalf we have written letters. These letters will be sent to governments, asking for these people’s rights to be restored,” said Laurence Wilson, a resident of Yellowknife since 2008 and a volunteer with Amnesty International since 2010.
While these cases may not have a direct connection to Canada or Yellowknife, Wilson emphasized that the group adopts cases that they feel passionate about.
He said the event is a testament to the power of collective action and the impact that words can have in the fight for human rights. As Wilson and the other volunteers in Yellowknife continue their work, they carry the hope of making a difference in the lives of disenfranchised people around the world.
Amnesty International, founded in the 1960s, is a global human rights organization that monitors and challenges human rights abuses worldwide. The organization was established to ensure governments adhere to the basic rights outlined in the United Nations Charter for Human Rights.
“It’s really important for everyone to be aware of human rights,” said Lorne Gushue. “It’s a question of living in a society. It’s really important that we all look out for each other.”
To contribute to this cause, Gushue participates in letter-writing campaigns.
“This is a small thing that I can do to help hopefully make a difference,” he said. He plans to write letters for all five cases highlighted at the event. “If you’re being unjust, you’re being unfair to people and treating them outside the law, then we’re going to ask you to change that. We’re watching,” he said.
Gushue learned about the event through friends on the volunteer organizing committee and announcements at his church. He has also been involved in various equality-seeking organizations and was a member of the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission.