by We work to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth, and dignity are denied.
Our movement
Amnesty International is a global movement of millions of people demanding human rights for all people – no matter who they are or where they are.
We are the world’s oldest and largest grassroots human rights organization. Since 1961, ordinary people across the world have chosen to take extraordinary action in defense of human rights for all.
Our vision
All people have human rights. But those rights are abused or denied every single day. We are witnessing a rollback of human rights globally. Some world leaders are pushing hate, attempting to erase rights protections, committing crimes against humanity, and enacting policies that drive and deepen inequality.
When that happens, Amnesty International finds the facts, exposes what’s happening, and rallies people together to force governments and others to respect everyone’s 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 (https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights) and other international human rights instruments. In pursuit of this vision, our mission is to undertake research and action focused on preventing and ending grave abuses of these rights.
STATEMENT ON VIOLENCE IN ISRAEL AND THE OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES
We are horrified by the escalating violence in recent days and the mounting civilian death toll in Israel and the Palestinian Territories/Gaza.
Additionally, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has been marked by indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas.
Amnesty International urgently calls on all parties in these conflicts to protect civilians.
Top Ten Reasons to Join Amnesty International
Reason #1: Amnesty Works: Since its founding 60 years ago, Amnesty actions have contributed to the release of 10’s of 1000’s of unjustly imprisoned individuals and a worldwide awareness & reduction of human rights abuses.
Reason #2: No one else can do it. No other organization has the international strength and moral authority to respond to injustice as effectively as Amnesty can.
Reason #3: Things change. We are living in a time of unprecedented political change. Amnesty helps to make sure the changes are for the better. In a world full of clashing ideologies, Amnesty’s basic principles stay on a steady course toward justice for all.
Reason #4: It is Good for You. Most people are isolated from the great movements and ideas of their time, often observing them from a distance. Amnesty involves you in a practical way in the great movements of our times: the movement for universal human rights.
Reason #5: Your children will thank you. A world where human rights violations go unchecked is a dangerous world for everyone. Unless we eliminate human rights violations everywhere, none of us is safe.
Reason #6: Amnesty is the Only Hope for 1000’s of Human Rights Victims: Without you, political prisoners and victims of torture around the world will be alone, without hope. You justify their hope by joining Amnesty’s community of concern.
Reason #7: Amnesty is Independent and Impartial. Amnesty applies a single standard of human rights to every country in the world. Amnesty is independent of all governments, political factions, ideologies, and economic issues.
Reason #8: You can Make a Difference. There is strength in numbers and each new member increases Amnesty’s cry for human rights.
Reason #9: We Have a Responsibility. The free must work on behalf of the unfree.
Reason #10: The most important reason of all:Najije Zendel was a 17 year old high school student when she was arrested in Yugoslavia in 1988 for peacefully protesting the discontinuation of classes taught in her native Albanian language. She was sentenced to 4 years in prison. Amnesty learned of her case and launched a series of appeals on her behalf, using its volunteer membership networks around the world. She was featured on US television and her case drew the attention of the US Senate. Nafije was released in January, 1990. (see https://www.amnestyusa.org/amnestynews/victories/ for more recent).
- Whether or not you officially join HC Amnesty International, you can still be a part of this 60 year old Nobel Peace Prize winning organization by frequently visiting www.amnestyusa.org. You can also follow us on Herkimer College Amnesty International Club Facebook and Instagram. https://www.facebook.com/HCCCAmnestyInternationalClub
- Look for information on our campus chapter of Amnesty International on Teams. Meeting information will be posted for our meeting Nov. 9.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE – USE YOUR FREEDOMS TO HELP OTHERS GAIN THEIRS
