This month, ICHRP is partnering with human rights alliance KARAPATAN to collect letters to political prisoners in the Philippines and deliver these directly to prisoners. Letter-writing raises the morale of political prisoners with concrete evidence of international solidarity for their struggle. Regular letters help deter abuse and neglect of prisoners by guards and the judicial system by demonstrating international attention for their case.
When we write letters together, we build collective action for political prisoners. Collective action can grow to include sending money to cover hearings to challenge their case in court or to buy life-saving medicine and sanitary products. It can also include sending books or art supplies to pass time in prison, or sending letters to local justices to advocate for their release or to vouch for their character and the work they do.
In your letter, you can write whatever you would like to include and believe appropriate to share. You can also include poetry, art, drawings, and other personal / collective artistic projects in scanned format.
Examples of what you can write about:
- Sympathies, encouragements, or expressions of solidarity with prisoners and their work
- Details about yourself that you’re comfortable sharing
- What encouraged you to write a letter? How did you learn about the person?
- Your personal involvement in organizations or campaigns for human rights, justice, and peace
- What are you inspired to do next (e.g. advocate their case, support a campaign, etc.)?
Head to ichrp.net/FreeThemAll for information about how to submit your letter. You will also find additional resources on political prisoners, and more information about our campaign.
