Letter to Yemen's vice-president

Abd al-Rab Mansour al-Hadi

Vice President

Office of The President

Sana'a

Yemen

21st November 2011

Your Excellency,

I would like to bring to your attention the case of Fatima Hussein Badi. Fatima was sentenced to death in February 2001 for the murder of her husband Hamoud Ali al-Jalal. 

Fatima was threatened with rape during her interrogation by the police and denied access to a lawyer. During a number of her trial hearings she had no legal representation and was prevented from speaking in court. 

I am writing to you to urge you to commute Fatima Hussein Badi’s death sentence, as she was convicted following an unfair trial. 

I call on you to ensure that Yemen works towards abolition of the death penalty, and ask that all defendants in Yemen be tried in accordance with international standards for fair trial, including ensuring that all defendants have access to legal representation and adequate time and facilities to prepare a defence.

Write for Rights on 10th December 2011

All year round, and all over the world, people write letters in support of prisoners of conscience and people facing human rights abuses.

Now in its 50th year, Amnesty International is co-ordinating a 'Write for Rights' day, on 10th December. Amnesty is highlighting cases and asking people to join the campaign for their rights.

As well as writing letters to people in positions of power, Amnesty is asking people to join their greetings card campaign.

By sending a personal message in a card, you can show your support and solidarity with the people highlighted, who are often being held in terrible conditions.

Amnesty says, "for prisoners of conscience, for families whose relatives have disappeared, for people in danger for defending human rights, the cards bring comfort and hope; they offer encouragement and support, and raise spirits. Above all they are a sign that people care.

The cards can also make an impression on police officers, prison staff and political authorities - and that can help to improve the way they treat individuals at risk."

Find out more and get involved at: www.amnesty.org.uk/write.

Letter to London Underground

Customer Service Centre,

London Underground,

55 Broadway,

London

SW1H 0BD

13^th November 2011

Dear Sir or Madam,

I regularly travel through Oval and I’m writing to let you know how much I appreciate the staff at the tube station.

There are three aspects of travelling through Oval that I particularly like.

The first is that there is often classical music playing, which gives an air of civilised calm to the busy scene of commuters and families on their way to school.

The second is the staff, who always seem relaxed and friendly, in control of the smooth running of the station.

The third (and my favourite thing!) is the ‘Oval station thought of the day’ board, which never fails to raise a smile. One particular favourite, which has stayed with me and which fits nicely with the music policy, is “music washes from the soul, the dust of everyday life.”

My office is moving, so I won’t be travelling through Oval for much longer and I’d be grateful if you could pass on my feedback to the staff.

Ellie's animals

I was delighted with today’s post! Today I received one of Ellie’s animals, wrapped up in a lovely little package.

Ellie is one half of the duo behind The Strive for Happiness and she has decided to try to draw all the animals in the world! So far, there are 112 drawings – and now one of them is mine.

Each one of the 112 drawings needs a home – Ellie is asking for people to spend some time with one of her animals, get a feel for its character and then send her a story inspired by their animal.

 

So, my animal (he’s called George!) is now making himself at home with me and I’m looking forward to coming up with a story for him.

Find out more (and request an animal for yourself) on The Strive for Happiness website: http://thestriveforhappiness.wordpress.com

Single mothers, singled out - letter to the Chancellor

Rt Hon George Osborne MP
Chancellor of the Exchequer
HM Treasury
Horse Guards Road
London SW1A 2HQ

7th November 2011

Dear Mr Osborne,  

I’ve spent some time this evening reading the Fawcett Society report, ‘Single Mothers, Singled Out’

I feel strongly that the government should be doing everything they can to support children and families – and in particular single-parent families.

I was disappointed to read in the report that lone parents are hardest hit by the ‘reforms’ to taxes and the welfare rights system. Surely this is a key group, which the system should be supporting?

The report also suggests that lone parents are suffering most from the cuts to public services.

I would be interested to hear your perspective on this – I’m sure you would not have intended this outcome and now it has been brought to light I feel it is imperative that the government acts quickly to ensure that lone parents are not made poorer.

I would welcome a response to my letter.

Santa at the RNIB

What better way to kick off a letter-writing blog than with this beautiful idea?

The RNIB – the UK’s leading charity supporting blind and partially sighted people – is “helping Santa during the festive season”.

Children who are blind or partially sighted can write to Santa (care of the RNIB) and receive a response in braille, large print or on an audio CD.

If you know a blind or partially sighted child, they can write to Santa Claus, RNIB, PO Box 173, Peterborough, PE2 6WS. Letters should include the child’s name and address and be sent by Monday 5^th December 2011.

Last year the RNIB received letters from 317 children. This service is provided at no cost, but if you want to make a donation to support the RNIB, you can do so on their website: https://donate.rnib.org.uk/