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Al relief money works every day to alleviate the suffering of some stricken fam- ily. In one country, the money may provide the transportation fare necessary for a wife to visit her imprisoned husband in a different city. Elsewhere the funds might provide subsistence for the family of the prisoner. In addition to helping the family, the relief funds may assist the prisoner directly, allowing him or her in some instances to purchase the few small luxuries which prisoners are allowed, and in some cases providing basic necessities such as blankets and winter clothing in harsh climates.
Once the often long ordeal of imprisonment or torture is over, AI is ready once once again with its relief funds to help the prisoner rehabilitate himself and, in the more tragic cases, to pay for the medical assistance which may be necessary in order to help a victim recuperate from torture.
In carrying out this humanitarian work, which is governed by the same prin- ciples of impartiality and political balance that guide the overall work of AI, the organization relies heavily on the generosity of its national sections, and on individual donors who feel that they would like to do something useful and direct to assist persons who are imprisoned in violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The scores of letters received at the International Secretariat from grateful prisoners and their families attest to the importance of Al's continuing worldwide relief operation.
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