SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan will host this year’s Westminster reception to mark International Human Rights Day taking place today.
During the reception, Mr Durkan – treasurer of the Parliamentary Human Rights Group – will call on parliamentarians and the public to support Amnesty International’s festive “Write for Rights” campaign.
He said: “I’m delighted to host this year’s parliamentary reception and to support this important campaign aimed at encouraging people to send a message of hope at Christmas to men, women and children around the world whose human rights and freedoms have been denied.
“It’s very easy when living in a country where our basic human rights are respected for days like International Human Rights Day to pass us by unnoticed.
“But in places throughout the world, where thousands of people are at risk of having their rights violated on a daily basis, it is so important to celebrate and recognise human rights.
“As a Member of Parliament, I know only too well of the power of the pen – and the impact that can be had when many voices rally around the same call.”
Mr Durkan concluded: “It is therefore vital we send a clear message that the world is watching and that human rights must be respected.”
Amnesty’s annual “Write for Rights” campaign continues until 31 December.
For more information about the campaign visit www.amnesty.org.uk/write
