Amnesty International

Aylesbury Methodist's Anneliese Varsey (left), is a keen supporter of Amnesty International. The charity stands up for humans wherever justice, freedom and truth are denied. 

Each year, Anneliese has a display in the church to support Amnesty's annual Greetings Card Campaign for Prisoners of Conscience. Amnesty asks the public to send cards with messages of goodwill and solidarity to people whose rights have been abused, and to those in danger for defending human rights.  The messages show them that people around the world are standing with them.  They also bring about change:  the impression this mail makes on police, prison staff or political authorities can help them to keep the recipients safe.

The campaign lasts until 31st January 2010. As well as having a display in the vestibule of the Aylesbury Methodist Church in Buckingham Street, the Aylesbury Amnesty International Group will have a table in the Friars Square Shopping Centre from 18th till 24th January, where cards can be signed during shopping hours.  This event is organised by Bronwen Lee. 

The display features 32 stories of people around the world who have suffered human rights abuses and would benefit from a card with a friendly greeting or message of solidarity. Amnesty have checked that the people concerned are happy to be included and that it is safe for them to receive cards.

Kate Allen, Director of Amnesty International UK writes, "...sending a simple greetings card can have a great impact - not only on the people we write to but on their families, fellow prisoners and the wider community."

As evidence of this, Aylesbury church members Jennie and Richard Torpey received a reply from one of their cards from Jamil el Banna, who was a prisoner at Guatanamo Bay.

Can I help? If you would like to help, either contact Amnesty via their website, www.amnesty.org.uk or email Bronwyn Lee by clicking here.