Amnesty International Australia

Amnesty International Australia is part of an international independent movement of people from all walks of life who come together to help protect and defend human rights. The Amnesty International philosophy is based on the belief that individuals working together in international solidarity can bring about real change. Amnesty International Australia invites everyone to get involved and support campaigns to end serious human rights violations such as torture, persecution and executions. Amnesty International works toward achieving a world in which all human beings can be “free and equal in dignity and rights".

Amnesty International researches human rights abuses, produces reports and campaigning materials, and helps organise people who want to do something to help stop human rights abuses. Amnesty International was started by UK lawyer, Peter Benenson, who was outraged when he read about two students in Portugal who had been imprisoned for raising a toast to freedom. He wrote a letter to the newspaper which prompted thousands of people to also write letters asking for the release of the students. Amnesty International writes urgent letters of appeal to governments as well as organising events such as dance parties, concerts, arts festivals, comedy nights and film screenings to raise awareness and funds to help us in the fight to end human rights abuses.

Young people in Australia can form Amnesty International groups at school or on their University campuses. These groups come up with an idea and then organise special events that they are interested in like ‘Voices of Hope’, the annual arts competition for high school students, or they put on a ‘Battle of the Bands’ event to raise money for Amnesty International. In June this year, Amnesty International’s second national youth summit will be held in Adelaide, where young people involved in Amnesty International Australia can meet each other and share ideas.

Amnesty International relies on individuals and public donations to fund its work. It does this so it can remain independent of any government, political ideology, economic interest or religion. Amnesty International’s independence enables it to speak out against governments and others who abuse human rights when it is necessary. Joining up means you'll become part of a worldwide movement of more than 1.8 million members and supporters who campaign for human rights to be respected and protected.