During this time of seasonal abundance it is incumbent upon us that we give renewed thought and consideration to those peoples around the world who are suffering repression and deprivation. One individual who will be going without her plum pudding this year is leading human rights activist, Aminatou Haidar, who was last year nominated for a New York Peace Prize. Haidar, who is also known as Saharawi Ghandi, has been on hunger strike since the 15th of November, protesting at her unlawful deportation to Lanzarote after she refused to acknowledge Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. Haidar's health is now in a critical condition; unable to stand without assistance and with her vital organs on the brink of collapse, this remarkable activist seems set to make the ultimate sacrifice in defiance of the Moroccan government and its 34 year campaign of violence against the Saharawi people.

The likelihood that the conflict in Western Sahara will be resolved peacefully and justly in conformance with international law before Haidar's life gives-out grows increasingly unlikely. Campaigners for Sandblast and NGOs such as Amnesty International and Free Western Sahara are ramping up their efforts to gain political backing and the support of influential artists and cultural ambassadors such as Brian Eno. Your support can make a difference at a crucial time in the campaign to save the life of Aminatou Haidar. To lend your support to this cause and to learn more about the camapaign to free Western Sahara please take the following 3 Simple Actions, and visit reliable blogs and spaces such as Sandblast and Free Western Sahara. This is your opportunity to make a REAL difference this Christmas.