Amnesty International is a non-governmental organization that advocates for human rights through letter-writing campaigns, marches, and other coordinated efforts. Founded in 1961, it has secured the release of many political prisoners and was recognized by the United Nations in 1969 and 1977. The organization continues to be active in denouncing human rights violations and launching educational campaigns.
Amnesty International is a non-governmental organization that coordinates human rights efforts around the world. A major force behind letter-writing campaigns, marches and other coordinated efforts, Amnesty International has been advocating for human rights since 1961. The organization believes that coordinated efforts on behalf of other human beings can make a difference and that fighting injustice is a moral imperative.
Amnesty International was founded in 1961 by Peter Benenson, a British lawyer who launched an “Amnesty ’61” campaign on behalf of two Portuguese students who had been imprisoned for making a political toast over glasses of wine. He wrote an impassioned appeal which was printed in newspapers around the world and in July of that year delegates from different countries met, forming Amnesty International. These delegates have decided to “adopt” political prisoners from other nations, lobbying for their release on humanitarian grounds. An amnesty candle was lit at St. Martins in the Field’s, London, on 10 December to commemorate Human Rights Day.
Amnesty International took off, sending missions around the world to meet with prisoners and secure the release of 140 people by 1963. The organization’s staff grew rapidly, with many lawyers and civil servants donating their time and effort on behalf of Amnesty International. In 1965, the organization started the Postcards for Prisoners campaign, which sends out cards of encouragement to political prisoners around the world.
Amnesty International has proven to be a strong and effective organization, releasing more political prisoners every year, including many prominent figures. To express their thanks, these individuals in turn adopted prisoners and encouraged citizens around the world to speak out against human rights violations and “prisoners of conscience”, another term for political prisoners. Amnesty International was recognized by the United Nations in 1969 as a vital human rights organization.
In 1974, Sean McBride, chairman of the international executive committee, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. That same year, Amnesty International released a public list of those who had been “disappeared” under Chilean Agusto Pinochet. Accompanying the list was a public display of political and social conditions in Chile. In 1977, Amnesty International as an organization received another Nobel Prize in recognition for contributions to global human rights.
Amnesty International continues to be active on human rights, launching numerous educational campaigns and denouncing human rights violations around the world with the assistance of numerous regional branches. Thousands of political prisoners have been released thanks to the efforts of Amnesty International, which believes in the fundamental rights enshrined in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
