Amnesty International is marking the 25th anniversary of its global Write for Rights campaign, an initiative that has mobilized over 50 million actions since its launch in 2001. The campaign, which encourages people to write letters, sign petitions, and engage on social media, has supported more than 200 individuals and groups facing injustice. Over the past quarter-century, these efforts have contributed to positive outcomes for at least 100 people featured in the campaign’s records, including unlawful releases, family reunifications, and judicial victories.
Jérôme Rukuki: Freedom After Decades
In Burundi, human rights defender Jérôme Rukuki was released on June 30, 2021, after serving four years of a 32-year sentence imposed on fabricated charges related to his activism. Arrested in July 2017, he missed the birth of his youngest child. During the 2020 Write for Rights campaign, hundreds of thousands of people worldwide called for his freedom. Rukuki expressed deep gratitude for the support received from human rights organizations and Amnesty International supporters, noting that the volume of letters and emails gave him strength and reinforced his commitment to defending human rights.
Youth Activists in the Democratic Republic of Congo
In August 2016, young activists Yves Makwambala and Fred Bauma were freed in the Democratic Republic of Congo following a 2015 Write for Rights action that drew 170,000 participants. Makwambala stated that every message and visit strengthened their resolve in the long struggle for freedom and democracy.
Sean Binder: Acquittal in Greece
Human rights defender Sean Binder and 23 others associated with a search-and-rescue NGO were acquitted of all charges in Greece in January 2026. After years of legal battles where Binder faced up to 20 years in prison for aiding refugees, Amnesty International had called for the charges to be dropped since 2018. The case became part of the Write for Rights campaign in 2019, mobilizing hundreds of thousands globally. Following eight years of advocacy, Binder was finally cleared, expressing relief that he would not spend two decades in a cell.
Moses Akatugba: Commutation in Nigeria
Moses Akatugba, a 16-year-old student arrested in 2005 in southern Nigeria, endured torture and forced confessions leading to an execution sentence. After ten years in detention, a 2014 Write for Rights campaign generated 800,000 messages. This pressure led to a pardon from the Delta State governor in May 2015. Akatugba credited Amnesty International and its activists as heroes who helped him survive the ordeal.
Rita Mahato: Protection in Nepal
In 2009, Rita Mahato, a health advisor at WOREC, received death and rape threats for assisting women victims of violence. After Amnesty International adopted her case in the 2009 Write for Rights campaign, schools and institutions worldwide sent cards and materials. The widespread attention prompted local authorities to offer protection, allowing Mahato to continue her work with renewed confidence.
Sasha Skochilenko: Exchange for Freedom
Russian artist Sasha Skochilenko was sentenced to seven years in December 2023 for protesting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine by replacing price tags with anti-war stickers. Released in 2024 through a historic prisoner swap involving Russia, Belarus, the US, Germany, Norway, Poland, and Slovenia, she now lives in exile in Germany. She thanked supporters for helping her survive imprisonment and believe in miracles.
This report was produced by the HuMedia newsroom.
