3. Be factual. Relay the details of the case as you know them. Do not discuss ideology or politics. Your message must be for the benefit of the victim and not a vehicle for your own political opinions. Stay within AI's mandate.

4. Be polite. Using offensive language is not effective. Assume the official is not informed but is willing to seek a remedy to the human rights violation.

5. Show respect. You will most likely keep the reader's attention by showing respect for his/her country's constitution and judicial procedures. If there have been positive developments in the country, these can be briefly recognized and welcomed (e.g. prisoner releases).

6. Be unequivocal in the expression of your concern for the victim. You can strongly oppose the torture or other injustice done to an individual and still keep a respectful tone to the message. You may want to assume the official's ignorance of the victim's plight and thereby allow yourself to share your deep concern for the wrong committed with the official.

7. Write in English. It is most effective to write your messages in English unless they can be written in the language of the country concerned. If you do decide to have your message translated from English, do not allow it to slow the sending of the message.
8. Write clearly. The official must be able to easily read your letter so if you don't type it please make sure your writing is plain and legible.

9. Use shortcuts. Do whatever is necessary to make your letter-writing as quick and easy as possible. This way letters won't be put off and they can be sent out sooner. For example, by using a computer you can make a generic file for each UA concern. Paragraphs on disappearances, torture, death penalty, denial of medical care, etc., may be copied into your working file and edited as needed. You may find it useful to refer to the sample passages in this guide to get your letter started and shake 'writer's block'.

. Your Excellency - to all heads of state, cabinet level ministers, prime ministers, ambassadors and governors.
. Your Honor - for judges and procurators.
. Dear Sir/Madam - for local authorities, prison commanders, police chiefs.
. Dear Admiral, General, Captain, etc. - for military officials.

Close your letter in a formal style by using:
. Respectfully or Yours respectfully,
. Sincerely or Yours sincerely,
. Yours truly,

Sample Messages
http://www.amnestyusa.org/urgent/samples.html

The following phrases and sentences are offered to help with 'writer's block' - when your mind draws a blank. Use them only as suggestions. Your own heart-felt comments are probably better to use.

Starting:

. I wish to appeal to you on be half of __________ who is the subject of my deepest concern.
. My family and I are very worried about __________ who is said to be unjustly detained in your country.
. I write to you out of deep concern for the current state of health of recently imprisoned __________.
. __________ is said to be currently imprisoned in your country. Please investigate
. I would like to take the opportunity to call your attention to the case of __________
. I am writing to you at this time to seek your assistance in the situation of a detainee, ________



Closing:
. We hope, in the name of all the people around the world. who are concerned with human rights for all people, that we will hear from you about this matter at the earliest possible opportunity.
. I hope to hear from you in the very near future.
. I and all here who share my concern would be gratified by a reply from you as soon as possible. We want you to know that our concern for the basic rights of humans is not of a political nature.
. Finally, in view of the above mentioned information, we urge you to act quickly to correct this situation and ask you inform us of the outcome of your investigation.
. Thanking you in advance for your time on this important and urgent matter, I am respectfully,
. In awaiting your reply, be assured of my most respectful sentiments.

Death Threats
I was concerned to learn of recent death threats made to __________, a member of the National Executive of the United Confederation of Workers in Bogota, Colombia on August 4. He was told that he would be killed for his trade union activity. I urge you to ensure that a full and impartial investigation is undertaken into the threats, that the results be made public and those responsible be brought to justice. I also ask that all possible measures, deemed appropriate by (name of union leader), be undertaken to save his life.

"Disappearance"
I am a high school teacher from the United States and a member of Amnesty International. I have been greatly disturbed by the news of the 'disappearance' of fellow teacher, Mrs. __________ in Ankara on June 7, 1995. I would be grateful if you would inform me of her whereabouts and give assurances that she is well-treated. I would also be grateful for news of her legal status. In this regard, I would respectfully remind you of Article 9 of the UN Declaration of Human Rights which states that 'No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile'.

Inadequate Medical Treatment
I write this letter to you as a physician, to ensure that Professor __________, a prisoner held in __________ Prison, is given adequate diet and medical treatment. I have been informed that he is suffering from pneumonia and urgently needs to be transferred to a hopital for immediate attention. My colleagues and I here at __________ Hospital would be pleased to hear from you as soon as you are able to ensure __________ treatment for this serious respiratory illness.

Torture
I was gravely concerned to receive reports of the arrests of a number of student leaders at the University of __________ during October of 1995. I was particularly concerned that some of the detainees, who are being held at the __________ Detention Center, are reported to have been severely tortured and I seek your assurances these students and other detainees held at __________ will be treated humanely.

Death Penalty
As a member of Amnesty International, the organization which opposes the use of the death penalty in all cases on humanitarian grounds, I urgently request that you commute the death sentence of __________, on the basis that his execution would be in violation of the right to life as proclaimed in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. I appeal to you to ensure that no further executions are carried out in your country/state.

Death in Detention
I am writing to express my concern over the reports of the death in custody of __________, following his arrest in __________, on January 19th. I urge an immediate investigation be conducted into the circumstances of his death and that the results be made public. At the same time I write to ask you for information on the whereabouts of _____, who was also arrested on January 19th and I seek assurances that his physical safety be guaranteed while in detention.

Arrest of a Colleague
It has come to the attention of this law firm of __________ that three well-respected lawyers in Khartoum have been recently arrested for their advocacy of the human rights of your citizens. We believe them to be prisoners of conscience, __________ that three well-respected lawyers in Khartoum have been recently arrested for their advocacy of the human rights of your citizens. We believe them to be prisoners of conscience, detained because of their work as legal professionals in your country. Although we strongly urge that these three well-known people be immediately and unconditionally released, until that happens, we seek assurances of their physical safety and guarantees that they are not being subjected to torture or ill-treament.


Referring to Amnesty International
Amnesty International's name may be used unless there are specific instructions on the Urgent Action to the contrary. If you do refer to Amnesty International it may be useful to include a brief explanation of AI's aims and principles (impartiality and independence from any government,political faction, ideology, economic interest or religious belief). Also indicate, where appropriate, that AI opposes torture and the impostion of the death penalty and seeks a fair and speedy trial in all cases and without reservation. Letters in a private or professional capacity may add effectiveness. Titles or professional letter-head may impress government authorities and suggest that the writer is influential.