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 : "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 Jeffrey

The Most Important Part of Me

I miss the most important part of me,

Each and every day.

I long to know them totally,

In each and every way.

They came to me, a gift from God,

So many years ago.

But I was young, so full of myself,

And so I failed to know.

So long in life, I finally learn,

But now it seems too late.

My way of life, the laws I broke,

Has sealed, it seems, my fate.

I miss the most important part of me,

And ask my God above,

To give me the wisdom and the way,

To convince them of my love.

So many years have passed.

Their mother so full of hope.

I squandered my time and wasted my life,

Exchanging that love for nothing more than dope.

I miss the most important part of me.

Their names are Chris and Michelle.

And every day away from them,

Is just a living hell.

My daughter's eyes or my son's sly smile.

Now that's what life is really all about.

They are the most important part of me.

Of that there is no doubt.

The true meaning of life, the joys of love,

To know them as they grow.

Now that's what life is all about.

And with that said, I will go.

Jeffery C. Doughtie Texas (executed 16th August 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