SIDMOTHIANS are being urged to send messages of support to at risk people all over the world through an event organised by Amnesty international. The East Devon branch of the organisation, which campaigns for human rights, will be holding its annual Gre

SIDMOTHIANS are being urged to send messages of support to 'at risk' people all over the world through an event organised by Amnesty international.

The East Devon branch of the organisation, which campaigns for human rights, will be holding its annual Greeting Card Campaign evening at the Anchor Inn, on Thursday, December 11 from 7pm in the upstairs function room.

The group is asking readers of the Herald to take part in sending a message of goodwill and solidarity to those around the world who are unfairly imprisoned, oppressed and tortured. Cards, stamps and refreshments will be provided.

The global campaign runs from November 1 to January 31 and offers hope and encouragement to the people who receive the cards.

The organisation hopes the campaign will also bring about change by revealing the vast amount of support the public has for people who are living in uncertainty.

This year the event coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Alison Kerruish, secretary of Amnesty International East Devon Group said: "As the event coincides with this anniversary, the sending of cards to people who do not enjoy the same human rights as ourselves, is particularly poignant."

There are 30 cases this year of people 'at risk' including Patrick Okoroafor from Nigeria who has spent half his life in detention. He was 14 when he was arrested in May 1995 and 16 when he was sentenced to death.

Alison added: "The idea is that each person on our list will receive a lot of cards and we hope that will have a big impact."

The Sidmouth event usually attracts between 30 and 50 people, and over 250 cards are written.

But this year the group are hoping to attract even more people and are aiming to send out over 300 cards.

Alison said: "It is a very jolly and informal evening although it is a serious event.