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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In memoriam of prisoners executed in the United States

Prisoners executed in the United States in 2009

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"A small but hugely significant witness, telling someone that they are not facing death alone."
Dr. Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury

"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

Prisoners' artwork notelets available for sale.

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A Prisoner Testimonial : "Julian is the most wonderful person I have ever had as a penfriend and I am really grateful that you brought us together. He is trying to teach me your English cricket – what a bewildering game it is!"

Art and Writing From Death Row

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A Poem By Chris

From Glad To Sad

It's so strange my mood flames then it will change a mind boggling game from sad to glad, smiling then frowning, on day I'm clowning the next day emotions drowning.

It's a shame but I'm to blame considered lame filled up with fame, then I'm sad again. Much like a roller coaster ride snatching my pride when will the dead rise.

She'll blush then fuss I'll switch to acting stiff. Why can't me & my Miss be one why Chris? From happy to mad pleasant to rad taught by my dad, sad cuz mamma never had a mother to mother her with love's cover like blood brothers clinging to one another.

Highs then lows, yes then no, yeah I know I suffered from a swift blow am now sitting on Death Row.

When pleasure is taken over by depression it's hard to measure how much I been stressing. What makes you laugh will make you cry, feeling the sun's wrath before I die.

Eye for an eye. Ups and downs. Heart beat stops to pound. Remembering then trembling a smile assembling.

Joy isn't a toy to be compared with a void in a room destined for doom remembering the bloom the sinking when thinking of future gloom.

Christopher Henriquez, California

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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