Amnesty International (founded 1961) is a worldwide movement of people
who campaign for internationally recognized human rights.
AI’s vision is of a world in which every person enjoys
all of the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
and other international human rights standards.
In pursuit of this vision, AI’s mission is to
undertake research and action focused on preventing and ending grave abuses of
the rights to physical and mental integrity, freedom of conscience and
expression, and freedom from discrimination, within the context of its work to
promote all human rights.
AI is independent of any
government, political ideology, economic interest or religion. It does not
support or oppose any government or political system, nor does it support or
oppose the views of the victims whose rights it seeks to protect. It is
concerned solely with the impartial protection of human rights.
AI has a varied network of members and supporters
around the world. At the latest count, there were more than 1.8 million
members, supporters and subscribers in over 150 countries and territories in
every region of the world. Although they come from many different backgrounds
and have widely different political and religious beliefs, they are united by a
determination to work for a world where everyone enjoys human rights.
AI is a democratic, self-governing movement. Major
policy decisions are taken by an International Council made up of
representatives from all national sections.
AI’s national sections and local volunteer groups are primarily
responsible for funding the movement. No funds are sought or accepted from governments
for AI’s work investigating and campaigning against human rights violations.
In 1978 Amnesty International was awarded the United
Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights. One year earlier Amnesty was the
recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Officials of Amnesty International are frequently
invited to speak on human rights. At the conference establishing the
International Criminal Court, then Secretary-General Pierre Sané addressed the
participants. On
Links
The official website of Amnesty International.
Related subject
Universal Declaration of Human
Rights
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