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Kirsty Williams signs message of hope
December 15, 2008 12:00 AM
Kirsty Williams AM for Brecon and Radnorshire took part in Amnesty International Greetings Cards Campaign, held at the Senedd this week to celebrate International Human Rights Day and the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
Kirsty Williams said: "At this time of year when we are filled with Christmas cheer and looking forward to a happy holiday period spent with our families it is important that we remember those throughout the world who are not as fortunate as us and will be spending their Christmas in fear and maltreatment.
"I would urge as many people as possible in Brecon and Radnorshire to get involved in Amnesty's campaign and to send a Christmas message of hope to those suffering human rights abuses across the world."
As a poignant reminder of the state of human rights in the world today, a life size recreation of a Guantánamo Bay cell was placed outside the Senedd to remind people of the continued need to campaign for freedom around the world. The cage based on the 6ft by 8ft cell in which hundreds of detainees have been held without trial for more than six years, provides a strong visual jolt of the human rights abuses happening at this time.
Cathy Owens, Amnesty International's Programme Director for Wales said:"There has been real progress since the World came together after the atrocities of World War II to establish a hopeful vision for humanity, but there is so much more to be done. There are serious challenges to overcome before people around the world can truly enjoy the basic rights set out in the UDHR. People are still tortured, executed or imprisoned for their views. Women still suffer violence around the world. Many people suffer dreadful violations on a daily basis.
"If we are to consign to history some of the worst human rights abuses, there is a great deal more work to be done. Governments should take responsibility, but so must individuals. If we are serious about making human rights a reality then we must all play our part. We need to recognise that human rights abuses anywhere are the concern of people everywhere."
Amnesty is calling on people in Wales to speak up for people whose human rights are under threat by sending them a message of solidarity as part of its Greetings Card Campaign. Last year's campaign led to supporter in Wales receiving a letter from a British resident detained in Guantánamo Bay. He said:
"I am very glad for this card you sent to me. You remind me I'm not forgotten and you are thinking of me. Thank you very much."
Notes
The UDHR set out for the first time in a single document the fundamental rights to which everyone, everywhere is entitled - including the right to life, liberty, security, freedoms of opinion, association and expression and the right not to be subjected to torture or cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment. More information about the UDHR at www.amnesty.org.uk/udhr
For more information about the Greetings Card Campaign, visit www.amnesty.org.uk/gcc
Contact: Cathy Owens, cathy.owens@amnesty.org.uk, 02920 786415, 07738 718638
Ends
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