Amnesty International’s “Write for Rights” campaign takes place annually around 10 December, which is Human Rights Day (commemorating the day when the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted in 1948). Write for Rights aims to bring about change to the lives of people or communities that have suffered or are at risk of human rights violations. Among the many actions that take place as part of Write for Rights, Amnesty raises cases of individuals, groups and communities with decision- makers who can change the situation, gives visibility to those cases by organizing public actions, and brings international attention through media and internet exposure.
At one fateful protest in November, police loaded their shotguns with rubber and metal ammunition and fired into the gathered crowds. It was no different from other protests where hundreds were hurt and dozens suffered eye injuries almost every day. Those in charge didn’t stop the police officers. Instead, they allowed the violence to continue. Gustavo was among the crowds that November. He was shot in both eyes and permanently blinded. The attack made global headlines.
