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Current Issues

Human rights are currently exploited all over the world.

• Torture, the act of inflicting pain, suffering or degradation upon another human being is practiced by two thirds of the world’s countries, including the United States of America. (Amnesty International) In Guantánamo Bay there are currently approximately 400 prisoners from over 30 countries. Many are denied legal representation. Prisoners have reported torture and degrading treatment and three prisoners have died in custody, possibly committing suicide.

• The death penalty, denies the right of life, and is used as a punishment in many nations. Children, as well as adults, are being killed by their governments. At the moment 88 countries have legally outlawed the death penalty in any form. 68 countries still practise the death penalty for a range of crimes committed by many different people. Last year 2148 human beings were executed. Beheading, electrocution, hanging, lethal injection and even stoning are the methods of execution and in some countries these methods extend to teenagers. 

• The Universal Human Rights Declaration clearly declares that men and women are equal. This however is not legally or socially true in many societies. Rape is treated by some armies as a form of warfare and women have rights as a mother or spouse instead of an individual.

• The phenomenon of child soldiers is horrifying. Over half a million children from over 85 countries (Amnesty International) are involved in military groups. The brutal acts committed by the children and their treatment as soldiers scar them for life and this problem is not easily solved.

How do you Build Human Rights - By Sam Sutton

Want to take action?

A few hints for writing letters of appeal. You can write to political leaders and anyone who you feel can help you take action. You can also write to local newsletters, papers or magazines.
1. Be polite.
2. Be reasonable.
3. Comment on the countries current admirable reputation.
4. Be respectful to the countries legal system.
5. Be understanding of the country’s situation.
6. Do your research on the particular case you are appealing.
5. Make specific requests. Perhaps a fair trial or release from prison.
7. Do not write in a way that would indicate you are against the government due to ethical or ideological reasons.
8. Express a concern for human rights rather than the country’s politics.   
9. If you feel comfortable doing this, indicate you involvement in the issue (why you are interested) and who you are. This may make your letter more meaningful to its recipient.
10. A good letter isn’t a long letter. Don’t be afraid to keep to short and to the point.

Hands Tied - By Alice Horton