About us

Amnesty International is a worldwide movement of people campaigning to protect human rights. We have a vision of a world in which every person enjoys all of the rights stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights standards.

When those human rights are violated, we:

• search out the facts
• expose what is happening
• mobilise people to put pressure on governments and others to stop the violations.

Around the world we protect people and communities who come under attack, encourage governments and others to respect human rights and raise awareness of the international standards that protect us all.

Who we are

• We are a diverse and democratic movement of people who share fundamental global values – dignity, freedom, justice, equality and a fair go for all.
• We are outraged by human rights abuses and create change by inspiring people around the world to take action.
• We demand, and hold to account, governments and other decision-makers to protect and respect human rights.
• We are an international movement that speaks out with one voice without compromise or fear to help protect human rights.
• We are a grass-roots organisation founded in 1961 - truly independent of government, business, religion or political groups.
• We work for and with individuals - to give voice, to stand along side and to secure fundamental human rights for all.
• We work collaboratively and in partnership with others to achieve our shared human rights outcomes.

Our Vision

By 2014, Amnesty International Australia will protect and defend the human rights of more people by:

• inspiring 500,000 people every year to take action;
• positively influencing and informing key opinion formers and decision makers;
• being an inclusive, authoritative, relevant and bold organisation;
• playing a leading role in Amnesty International, particularly in Asia Pacific.

Amnesty International Australia will:

• demand dignity for all;
• stand with Indigenous communities to end human rights abuses;
• campaign for an effective National Plan to Stop Violence Against Women;
• increase our support for the global movement;
• respond rapidly to international crises and individuals at risk;
• campaign for the closure of the Christmas Island detention centre;
• campaign for a Human Rights Act that protects all our rights.

Our Mission

We are part of the global human rights movement defending human rights and dignity. We work with people in Australia and in our region to demand respect for human rights and protect people facing abuse.

To do this, we mobilise people, campaign, conduct research and raise money for our work. We are promoting a culture where human rights are embraced, valued and protected.

What we do

• We call on governments or companies to uphold, create or change laws or policies that will protect human rights.
• We send experts on missions into countries where human rights abuses are occurring to investigate and report, eg Gaza or Pakistan.
• We work with the worlds media to expose human rights abuses and call the guilty to justice.
• Our supporters sign petitions, write letters or take online actions directed at governments, groups or individuals.
• We support human rights advocates and activists defending human rights in their own countries.
• Our sections around the world campaign in their countries on global and local issues.

The facts

• Amnesty International's independence is a vital part of our effectiveness. We do not accept any money from governments or political parties, allowing us to maintain full independence from any governments, political ideologies, economic interests or religions.
• Amnesty International's campaigns are thoroughly researched and based on facts. We monitor thousands of media outlets, and send representatives to observe political trials, monitor the treatment of prisoners and talk with victims and their families.
• Amnesty International’s research is recognised globally for its reliability. We are consulted by governments, inter-governmental organisations, journalists, scholars and other human rights organisations and campaigning groups.
• Amnesty International has a record of real achievement. We know this because the people we are trying to help have told us about the effect Amnesty efforts have had on their lives.

Curent campaigns

• Human Rights and Poverty
  Poverty is the world’s worst human rights crisis. We want to give voice to the world’s poor and end the human rights abuses that drive and deepen poverty. Our work in Australia will focus on the rights of Indigenous Australians.
• Human rights for Australia
  Australia is the only liberal democracy without a Human Rights Act or similar national human rights protection.
• Stop Violence Against Women
  One of the most widespread human rights abuses in the world, violence against women is one of the greatest barriers to equality and to the realisation of women’s human rights.
• Individuals at risk
  We take action for individuals who are in imminent danger or whose human rights are at risk.
• Refugees' Human Rights
  We defend the rights of all refugees and asylum seekers in Australia and around the world. This includes campaigning to close the Christmas Island detention centre and end mandatory detention in Australia.
• End the Death Penalty
  Every day, all over the world, prisoners – men, women and children – face execution. We are opposed to its use, everywhere in the world, for whatever reason.
• Human Rights Education
  Our human rights education program is aimed at promoting a greater focus on human rights in schools.
• Torture and Terror
  Since the horrific terrorist attacks in America on September 11 2001, a countless number of people have been illegally kidnapped, detained, tortured and ill-treated by the U.S and its allies.
• Human Rights in China
  China is Australia's biggest trading partner and plays a lead role in global politics and economics. Despite its success however, China is still failing to meet global human rights standards.

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Amnesty International relies on your support to continue our vital work protecting human rights. Please help us keep governments accountable, bring the guilty to justice, and save lives.

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