12 February 2013 - AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

G’day guys,

Today I introduce another organisation that you may have heard of, but what do you know about it – Amnesty International? Here is the organisation’s view …

“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.

"Your organisation has done more for political prisoners around the world than any other organisation and we appreciate it."
Burma's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi

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: in places like Syria, Gaza, Pakistan or Egypt).
• 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 is:

• The world’s largest human rights organisation.
• A global movement of 3 million supporters across 150 countries.
• 100,000 supporters in Australia working to defend human rights and dignity.

• 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.

 Our Work

We campaign on a wide range of issues to protect and defend human rights. Our 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 standards.

 Refugees’ Human Rights

Millions of people around the world flee persecution and conflict in their homelands to seek asylum in other countries and rebuild their lives.

Indigenous Peoples’ Rights

Committed to ensuring the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples’ is implemented locally and nationally through legislation, policies and programs.

 Weapons and human rights

The global sale and transfer of weapons is unregulated and lacks accountability. We campaign to stop flows of arms that fuel abuses.

Countries in crisis

Around the world we respond to human rights crises as they occur and work tirelessly to prevent situations reaching crisis point.

Individuals at Risk

It is the work of defending individuals at risk, those who endure first-hand the failure of governments and authorities to respect their human rights, that is at the heart of Amnesty's work.

Demand Dignity

Poverty is a violation of human rights. Every person, everywhere in the world, has a basic right to adequate standards of living.

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.

Stop Violence Against Women

Violence against women is one of the most widespread human rights abuses in the world.

Torture and Terror

Thousands of people have been locked up in secret detention centres, tortured or have disappeared in the "war against terrorism".

Human Rights Education

Our human rights education program is aimed at promoting a greater focus on human rights in schools.

 Crisis

Amnesty international responds immediately to human rights crises as they occur and works tirelessly to prevent situations reaching crisis point. Here in Australia our focus is on human rights in Asia Pacific - monitoring potential crisis situations and ensuring that our staff, supporters and the wider community are informed, engaged and ready to act.

 Other Ways to Get Involved

Participate at local Amnesty events

Your local Amnesty branch is the place to meet people, join groups and find out what’s happening in your area.

Become a youth activist

Our youth activists bring enthusiasm, inspiring ideas and creativity to all our campaigns.

Raise funds

A great way to get active and social in support of human rights, whilst raising funds and awareness for our cause.

Go shopping for a good cause

Check out Amnesty's online shop! All proceeds help fund our vital human rights work.

Interns and volunteers

Use your skills and knowledge to promote human rights!"

Clancy's comment: Got to admire them. Click below if you want to know more.  

 http://www.amnesty.org.au/get-involved/ 

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