Community Letters

‘Write for Rights’ at the CR library

Dec. 10 is the 77th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Civil rights vary from country to country and can be changed by governing bodies. The right to vote is a civil right, for example. Human rights are universal and apply equally to all people. Examples of human rights include the right to freedom of opinion and expression and the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

Amnesty International is a nonpartisan organization that focuses on human rights and avoids political favoritism. This allows the organization to reach many forms of government around the world that might otherwise be more resistant or defensive to suggestions for change.

As we struggle over both civil and human rights in our country, we must not lose focus on the human rights of all people throughout the world. For the 10th year, our local Amnesty International group is hosting a Write for Rights event at the Cedar Rapids public library from 10 a.m.to 7 p.m. on Dec. 9. We are writing for seven individuals and two groups from countries around the world whose human rights are being violated. Some face long, unjust prison terms and some endure great hardships. Amnesty International has freed people before, and we will again.

Bruce R. Bachmann

Amnesty International USA, Local Group 181

Cedar Rapids