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Spreading the Word
Amnesty International
By: Mary Elise Chavez
Posted February 2007

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Amnesty International Don't Turn a Blind Eye MaryElise Mary Elise

One of the largest and most powerful activists organizations, Amnesty International, has quite humble beginnings. AI began with the late Peter Benenson, who published an article titled, "The Forgotten Prisoners", in 1961, as seen in the London Observer. This article would become the jumping off point and birthplace for Amnesty International. As an article which highlighted the unfair arrest of two Portuguese students who had made a toast to freedom in a Lisbon bar, Benenson's article received a great response from the public. It was then he realized the need for the creation of Amnesty, as a public outcry for human rights.

Amnesty International (AI) focuses on issues that span throughout multiple countries of varying economic and politic status. While the organization is not particular to any religion or political stance, AI brings forth a concern for humanity that all of us should have and consistently be aware of.

They believe in these primary ideas:

Human rights are unalienable and universal.

Human rights are indivisible.

Human rights will not be protected by governments alone.

Defense of human rights requires individuals to act on behalf of others.

Independence and impartiality are necessary in the defense of human rights.

Through dedicated research and action, AI works toward protecting the physical and mental integrity, freedom of conscience and expression, and freedom from discrimination, for international human rights. With over 1.8 million members worldwide, they are continually growing and successfully liberating individuals all around the world.

Their current work includes:

Abolish the death penalty
End extrajudicial executions and "disappearances"
Ensure prison conditions meet international human rights standards
Ensure prompt and fair trial for all political prisoners
Fight impunity from systems of justice
End the recruitment and use of child soldiers
Free all prisoners of conscience
Promote economic, social and cultural rights for marginalized communities
Protect human rights defenders
Stop torture and ill-treatment
Stop unlawful killings in armed conflict
Uphold the rights of refugees, migrants and asylum seekers

Their Mission Statement is as follows, as stated on their web site:

"Amnesty International'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."

Amnestyusa.org is their online address (for the U.S.A.), where you can check out their calender of events, learn how to get involved both internationally and locally, plus learn about the current projects and outreach programs they are working on and involved in. They offer varying membership opportunities and accept online donations, which is a great alternative if you are unable to physically volunteer.

Amnesty operates internationally throughout the U.S., Canada, South America, Africa, Australia, Europe, and Asia, among many others.

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Amnesty International USA
5 Penn Plaza
New York, NY 10001
phone: (212) 807-8400
fax: (212) 627-1451