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WHO WE ARE
Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 10 million people who take injustice personally. We are campaigning for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all.
We are funded by members and people like you. We are independent of any political ideology, economic interest or religion. No government is beyond scrutiny. No situation is beyond hope.
Few would have predicted when we started that torturers would become international outlaws. That most countries would abolish the death penalty . And seemingly untouchable dictators would be made to answer for their crimes.
BETTER TO LIGHT A CANDLE THAN CURSE THE DARKNESS
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WHAT DOES AMNESTY DO?
We investigate and expose the facts, whenever and wherever abuses happen.
We lobby governments, and other powerful groups such as companies. Making sure they keep their promises and respect international law.
By telling the powerful stories of the people we work with, we mobilize millions of supporters around the world to campaign for change and to stand in defence of activists on the frontline.
We support people to claim their rights through education and training.
Watch our videos below
© Susanne Keller
Where it all began
In 1961, British lawyer Peter Benenson was outraged when two Portuguese students were jailed just for raising a toast to freedom. He wrote an article in The Observer newspaper and launched a campaign that provoked an incredible response. Reprinted in newspapers across the world, his call to action sparked the idea that people everywhere can unite in solidarity for justice and freedom.
This inspiring moment didn’t just give birth to an extraordinary movement, it was the start of extraordinary social change.
Only when the last prisoner of conscience has been freed, when the last torture chamber has been closed, when the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a reality for the world’s people, will our work be done.
Peter Benenson, Amnesty International founder
our story
A global movement for human rights begins. Lawyer Peter Benenson launches the ‘Appeal for Amnesty’ in the Observer newspaper, after two Portuguese students are jailed for raising a toast to freedom. © Guardian News and Media Limited.
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The first prisoner of conscience is released, Ukrainian Archbishop Josyf Slipyi in Siberia. It sparks decades of tireless campaigning on behalf of people persecuted for their beliefs. (Photo: campaigners at a rally in London in 1983. © Raoul Shade.)
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Amnesty launches its first campaign against torture. 12 years later, the UN votes to combat torture worldwide with the Convention against Torture in 1984. © Amnesty International Switzerland
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Amnesty is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for contributing to ‘securing the ground for freedom, for justice, and thereby also for peace in the world’. It’s recognition for the hard work and determination of Amnesty supporters across the world. © Amnesty International
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Amnesty launches its first campaign against the death penalty. When we started in 1961, only nine countries had abolished state executions. By 2014, that figure had risen to 140. © Amnesty International
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Amnesty campaigns for an International Criminal Court (ICC) to bring those responsible for genocides and war crimes to justice. The ICC is finally established in 2002. (Photo: Demonstrators form a ‘human carpet’ to put pressure on delegates negotiating the formation of the ICC, Italy 1998. © Antonio Sesta)
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Nelson Mandela becomes an Amnesty International Ambassador of Conscience. In 1962, Amnesty had sent a lawyer to observe his trial in South Africa. Nelson Mandela wrote that “his mere presence, as well as the assistance he gave, were a source of tremendous inspiration and encouragement to us.” © Jurgen Schadeberg
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Amnesty’s long fight for freedom of expression across the world moves to the internet. Ali Sayed al-Shihabi is released after being jailed for posting pro-democracy articles online in Syria. © REUTERS/Kacper Pempel
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After 20 years of pressure from Amnesty supporters, a life-saving global Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) comes into force on 24 December 2014. It will help stop the flow of weapons fuelling atrocities around the world. © Amnesty International
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