Amnesty International is marking its 50th anniversary on 28 May at events in more than 60 countries around the world.

From Argentina to Ghana to Turkey to New Zealand, dozens of countries will hold a symbolic toast to freedom. This global event pays tribute to the tale of two Portuguese students imprisoned for raising their glasses to liberty – an injustice that so outraged British lawyer Peter Benenson that he launched Amnesty International on 28 May 1961.

In Australia, homes and restaurants all over the country are holding candlelit dinners and raising a toast to freedom.

“What better way to celebrate 50 years of defending rights and freedom than thousands of people around the world making that same toast?” said Claire Mallinson, National Director, Amnesty International Australia.

“Our founder Peter Benenson has shown the difference one person can make by appealing to others to unite in common action. Every one of us can make a difference and together we are a truly powerful force for change,“ said Claire Mallinson.

For half a century Amnesty International – the world’s largest human rights organisation – has borne witness to abuses and atrocities, has offered hope to the oppressed and forgotten, and has campaigned with innovation and determination for justice.

It has played a leading role in making torturers international outlaws, in ending the untouchable status of leaders accused of human rights crimes, in the creation of the International Criminal Court and in achieving unstoppable momentum towards a death penalty-free world.

In 1977, Amnesty International was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Throughout its history, Amnesty International has evolved and adapted to meet the challenges presented by a rapidly changing world. Its ongoing work for prisoners of conscience – tens of thousands of whom have been released since 1961 – is now accompanied by action to uphold the whole spectrum of rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

“Fifty years after the Amnesty International candle first shone a light on the world’s hidden hellholes and torture chambers, the call for justice, dignity and human rights is now firmly on the global stage,” said Claire Mallinson.

Despite progress, human rights violations are at the heart of key challenges facing the world today. Above all, states – which have ultimate responsibility for delivering human rights – must be held accountable. Corporations and armed groups must also fully respect human rights and be held accountable for their actions.

“Over the past 50 years we have certainly learnt that change is possible and that people power can make the world a better place,” said Claire Mallinson.