Human Writes is a non-profit, humanitarian organisation which befriends people on death row in the USA

There are prisoners on Death Rows all over the States who are in need of help to live like a human being for the time they are here.

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Thoughts on being a Human Writes penfriend.

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In memoriam of prisoners executed in the United States

Prisoners executed in the United States in 2016

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"The volunteers of Human Writes seek to hold out the hand of friendship to men and women facing the death penalty. I am pleased to encourage them in their writing"
Most Reverend and Rt Hon George L Carey, former Archbishop of Canterbury

"No matter its circumstances, dying is one of the most important things we ever do. I applaud all who offer compassion and hope to those facing death, especially in the terrible circumstances of Death Row. May God bless your work."
His Eminence Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster

Prisoners' artwork notelets available for sale.

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A Prisoner Testimonial : "You are so right, people like Helene don't come along too often in this crazy world. I just replied to her letter. She stood by my side when darkness set upon me and gave me warmth when life felt so cold. I'm forever grateful for her love and support."

Art and Writing From Death Row

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A Poem By Son Tran, Texas

Tears of Yesterday

Tears of yesterday flood the sea

Pour out of sockets the blind will never see.

Drops of sorrow that live deep from within.

Constant feeling of love will never again win.

My emotion is expressed through my anger,

A part of me that fears no danger.

My uncontrollable rage has its ways

To destroy me inside and out.

Many thoughts of suicide come about.

In that the only situation to time - My madness, but in return it only

Brings me sadness.

My condition I can no longer withhold.

Tender moments inside still remain cold.

I need to find a care, a remedy,

Please confess to me if you can,

Help me see a life without misery.

Son Tran Texas 2001

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Human Writes Patrons

"As a journalist who has lived and worked in the United States, the horror of death row is one of the issues that never leaves you. The thread of humanity that Human Writes manages to sustain with men and women on death row is a profound contribution to keep alive the hope of life. Capital punishment is now on the retreat in America, but the numbers awaiting their fate are still very considerable. I am very honoured to have become a Patron of Human Writes and will hope to do my best to put my shoulder to the wheel".
Jon Snow Broadcaster and journalist, Patron, Human Writes

"In such an inhuman system small moments of human contact make a big difference. That's why I support Human Writes and why I would encourage you to do the same."
Gary Younge, Author and US-based feature writer for the Guardian, Patron, Human Writes

"I know what it is like to live in a cell for decades and feel that the whole world hates you. I never expected to be able to live again as a contributing member of a community. Prison life was precarious and unpredictable but I met people who worked there who wanted to help me and people like me - and I'm lucky that I live in a society graceful enough to offer me a second chance. At least I had hope. Hope for many of the people supported by Human Writes has all but been extinguished. Letters to people on Death Row let them know that however low they may have fallen, they are still human beings. They still have value and are worth caring about and letters might just help to keep hope alive. That is why I am honoured to have been invited to be a patron."
Erwin James, author and Guardian columnist, Patron, Human Writes