SIR,

Once again, it's the time of year when we send greetings cards to family and friends.

I would like to ask Beacon readers to consider adding just one or two extra names to their list, and send a message of hope on Saturday 10th December, which is international Human Rights Day.

Amnesty International's annual Greetings Card Campaign provides hope for people who are in danger or unjustly imprisoned.

Knowing the world is watching can strengthen and empower people as they confront injustice and stand up for human rights, and it also sends a powerful message to oppressive authorities.

It's a simple idea, but astonishingly effective.

One card that takes only a moment to write adds to the thousands sent by people from all over the world, and can even result in prisoners being released.

This year, again, Amnesty's card list is a long one: it includes Sonia Pierre of the Dominican Republic, who has been persecuted for fighting racism; there's a peace group in Colombia, whose members are in danger because they assert their right not to be drawn into Colombia's armed conflict; an Afghan women's network that has come under increasing threat; or there's the youth activist Jabbar Savalan, being persecuted by the Azerbaijani authorities because of messages he posted on Facebook.

And there are lots more.

Beacon readers can add their message of hope, by going along to Monmouth Priory on Saturday 10th December, between 10am and 1pm, where the Monmouth and District Amnesty Group will provide all the details, cards and addresses.

Marian Fretter

(Monmouth and District Group, Amnesty International)