Frequently asked questions

What does Amnesty International do?

Amnesty International works independently and impartially to promote respect for all the human rights set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Amnesty International believes that human rights are interdependent and indivisible – all human rights should be enjoyed by all people at all times and no one set of rights can be enjoyed at the expense of other rights. We concentrate on ending grave abuses of the rights to physical and mental integrity, freedom of conscience and expression, and freedom from discrimination.

Amnesty International opposes human rights abuses committed by governments, non-governmental bodies and private individuals (non-state actors). We oppose abuses by armed political groups (in control of territory or operating in opposition to governments), such as hostage-taking, torture and unlawful killings. We oppose human rights abuses against civilians and non-combatants by both sides during armed conflict. Amnesty International also campaigns against abuses in the home or community where governments have been complicit or have failed to take effective action.

Is Amnesty International effective?

We have a record of real achievement. We know this because the people we try to help tell us that our pressure has had an effect. Governments are persuaded to change their laws and practices. Our solidarity keeps hope alive.

How does Amnesty International carry out its work?

We search out the facts. We send experts to talk with victims, observe trials and interview local officials and human rights activists. We monitor thousands of media outlets and maintain contact with reliable sources of information all over the world. Our research is carried out by expert staff, supported by specialists in a range of fields such as international law, media and technology. We publish detailed reports. We inform the news media. We publicize our concerns in leaflets, posters, advertisements, newsletters and websites.

Our members, supporters and staff around the world mobilize the public to put pressure on governments and others with influence to stop the abuses. Activities range from public demonstrations to letter-writing; from human rights education to fundraising concerts; from approaches to local authorities to lobbying at intergovernmental organizations; from targeted appeals on behalf of a single individual to global campaigns for global change.

Who finances Amnesty International's work?

Amnesty International is independent of any government, political ideology, economic interest or religion. It does not support or oppose any government or political system, nor does it necessarily support the views of the victims whose rights it seeks to protect. To ensure its independence, it does not seek or accept money from governments or political parties for its work in documenting and campaigning against human rights abuses. Its funding depends on the contributions of its worldwide membership and fundraising activities.

Amnesty International is a democratic, self-governing movement. It answers only to its own worldwide membership. All policy decisions are taken by elected bodies. Major policy decisions are taken by an International Council made up of representatives from all the countries where Amnesty International members are organized into national structures and sections. They elect an International Executive Committee of volunteers that carries out their decisions and appoints the movement's Secretary General, who is also head of the International Secretariat, the professional heart of Amnesty International.

How did Amnesty International start?

More than four decades ago, the story of two Portuguese students sentenced to seven years' imprisonment for raising a toast to freedom horrified British lawyer Peter Benenson. He wrote to the British newspaper, The Observer, calling for an international campaign to bombard authorities around the world with protests about the "forgotten prisoners". On 28 May 1961, the newspaper launched his year long campaign, Appeal for Amnesty 1961, calling on people everywhere to protest against the imprisonment of men and women for their political or religious beliefs – "prisoners of conscience". Within a month, more than a thousand readers had sent letters of support, offers of practical help and details about many more prisoners of conscience. Within six months, a brief publicity effort was being developed into a permanent, international movement. Within a year, the new organization had sent delegations to four countries to make representations on behalf of prisoners and had taken up 210 cases. Its members had organized national bodies in seven countries.

The principles of impartiality and independence were established from the start. The emphasis was on the international protection of the human rights of individuals. As Amnesty International grew, its focus expanded to take in not just prisoners of conscience, but other victims of human rights abuses – such as torture, "disappearances" and the death penalty. In 1977, the movement's efforts were recognized through the award of the Nobel Peace Prize. In 1978, it was honoured with a United Nations Human Rights Award.

How does Amnesty International get its information?

Research teams focusing on particular countries and themes investigate reports of human rights abuses, cross checking and corroborating information from a wide variety of sources and contacts. They receive information from prisoners, others suffering other human rights abuses and their representatives; survivors of abuse and their families; lawyers; journalists; refugees; diplomats; religious bodies; community workers; humanitarian agencies and other human rights organizations. They monitor newspapers, websites and other media outlets. Amnesty International often sends fact-finding missions to assess the situation on the spot.

How does Amnesty International make sure it has the facts right?

Before any statement or report is issued, its text is approved within the International Secretariat to ensure it is accurate, politically impartial and falls within Amnesty International's mandate. Amnesty International is often dealing with reports rather than undisputed facts. It makes this plain and may call for an investigation of these reports. If Amnesty International makes a mistake, it issues a correction.

Amnesty International's research is recognized as reliable and is widely consulted by governments; intergovernmental organizations; journalists; scholars; other human rights organizations and campaigning groups.

How does Amnesty International obtain information about "closed" countries?

Where Amnesty International is denied access to a country, research teams may have to rely on sources of information outside the country, including news media reports, experts, refugees, diplomatic representatives and human rights defenders abroad.