AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 7 million people who take injustice personally. We are campaigning for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all.

Founded in 1992, the European Institutions Office of Amnesty International works to implement this vision in Europe and to ensure that the European Institutions play their full role as human rights actors, at home and abroad.

Working towards this vision, we undertake advocacy and communications, carry out research and take action in support of Amnesty International’s objectives and priorities to influence the European Institutions to work on preventing and ending abuses of human rights.

Amnesty International is funded by members and people like you. We are independent of any political ideology, economic interest or religion. No government is beyond scrutiny. No situation is beyond hope.

WHAT ARE HUMAN RIGHTS?

Human rights are the basic freedoms and protections that people are entitled to simply because they are human beings. They are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

  • Human rights are universal: They belong to everyone, regardless of race, sexuality, citizenship, gender, nationality, ethnicity, or ability.
  • Human rights are inherent: We are all born with human rights. They belong to people simply because they are human beings.
  • Human rights are inalienable: They cannot be taken away. No person, corporation, organisation or government can deprive a person of his or her rights.
  • Human rights can be violated: Although they are inalienable, they are not invulnerable. Violations can prevent people from enjoying their rights, but they do not stop the rights existing.
  • Human rights are essential: They are essential for freedom, justice, and peace.