AS Amnesty International marked Protect The Human Week, ending yesterday, its renewed appeals to stop the execution of a man from Leeds highlight just why it's never been more important to stand up for humanity and human rights.

Mirza Tahir Hussain - a joint British and Pakistani national - is on death row in Pakistan and has been in prison for 18 years. Earlier this week, he learned that his execution date was set for November 1, 2006. Amnesty opposes the death penalty in all cases, but is also concerned Mirza did not receive a fair trial.

Both British and Pakistani authorities must do all they can to stop this execution. Protect The Human Week is when Amnesty focuses on the way in which ordinary people can stand up for others whose human rights are threatened. All of us - including us here in York - can take action to help prevent Mirza Hussain's execution going ahead by visiting www.amnesty.org.uk Patricia Bartley, Moss Street, York.