Amnesty International

2011-02-23T09:40:00.001-08:00

WHAT IS AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL?

A worldwide movement of ordinary people who work together to achieve extraordinary results.

2011-02-23T09:14:00.000-08:00

WE ARE A BEACON OF HOPE

Amnesty International is recognized by its glowing candle circled in barbed wire, and for good reason. Governments and other groups who attack people's dignity and freedom try to hide their oppression, keeping it in the dark. They torture in isolated cells. They make people "disappear." They attempt to impose silence through anonymous threats.

The actions of Amnesty members are a beacon of hope for many people who are imprisoned because of their beliefs, for the tortured, for those suffering the loss of "disappeared" loved ones, and for people seeking refuge from harm.

2011-02-23T08:50:00.000-08:00

WHAT DO AMNESTY MEMBERS DO?

Amnesty members - alongside many human rights defenders around the world - shine the light of public attention on human rights abuses worldwide. We expose the truth. We create public pressure to make the abuses stop. We let the authorities know that they are being watched, that we expect them to uphold international human rights standards, and that they will be brought to justice if they commit human rights crimes.

2011-02-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AN AMNESTY MEMBER?

Being a member of Amnesty International means different things to different people. For some, it means speaking out, taking action and effecting change. Amnesty members often get more involved by writing letters, joining in human rights campaigns, connecting with other Amnesty members and supporters at local meetings and film festivals, or spreading the word about Amnesty at their school and workplace.

For others, it means supporting Amnesty through financial contributions. This support is critical to ensure that Amnesty has funds for year-round campaigning, and allows Amnesty to respond quickly to situations of grave human rights violations.

However you chose to get involved with Amnesty, you will join hands with millions of people around the world working to ensure the promotion and protection of human rights everywhere.