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 : "It's about my penpal she has changed my life from a mental hell, her letters have rolled back the clouds in my life and allowed the sunshine to burst thru. I am so impressed by this beautiful women that I am not ashamed or embarrassed to acknowledge her as my friend – Best Friend. I couldn’t love her more. "

Art and Writing From Death Row

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A Poem By Al

I Cried

I cried for companionship for loneliness is such great pain.

I've written thousands of letters for just one friend to gain.

I've searched for love from rich women to poor,

From coast to coast from shore to shore.

But no one hears me or seem to really care,

All they want are material things fortune and fame, not love to share.

This world can be so cruel uncaring with disregard

No love or understanding just greed and hate in the heart.

I've cried out "injustice" brutality and rejection

I've cried out of the denials degradation and represssion.

But my cries are all unheard and upon deaf ears they fall.

Everyone's for self or not at all.

Am I fighting a losing battle - are all my tears in vain?

Or is there a love out there for me to eventually obtain?

Is there someone special who will take me in arms and hold?

Who will cherish a relationship and together we grow old?

Is there any caring person who would take time to write?

To share a moment of kindness and ease my enduring plight?

Someone who will wipe these tears of pain and loneliness within,

So I can finally say I have found myself a friend???

By Al Cunningham, 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