Amnesty International (commonly
known as Amnesty and AI) is a non-governmental organization
focused on human rights with over 4 million members and supporters around the
world. The stated objective of the organization is "to conduct research
and generate action to prevent and end grave abuses of human rights, and to
demand justice for those whose rights have been violated."
Amnesty
International was founded in London in 1961, following the publication of the
article "The Forgotten Prisoners" in The Observer 28 May 1961,
by the lawyer Peter Benenson. Amnesty draws attention to human rights abuses
and campaigns for compliance with international laws and standards. It works to
mobilize public opinion to put pressure on governments that let abuse take
place.
The organization was awarded the 1977 Nobel Peace Prize for its "campaign
against torture,"
and the United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights in 1978.
In
the field of international human rights organisations Amnesty has the longest
history and broadest name recognition, and is believed by many to set standards
for the movement as a whole. Amnesty International is largely made up of
voluntary members, but retains a small number of paid professionals. In
countries in which Amnesty International has a strong presence, members are organized
as 'sections'. Sections co-ordinate basic Amnesty International activities
normally with a significant number of members, some of whom will form into
'groups', and a professional staff. Each have a board of directors. In 2005
there were 52 sections worldwide. 'Structures' are aspiring sections. They also
co-ordinate basic activities but have a smaller membership and a limited staff.
In countries where no section or structure exists, people can become
'international members'. Two other organizational models exist: 'international
networks', which promote specific themes or have a specific identity, and
'affiliated groups', which do the same work as section groups, but in isolation.
The
organizations outlined above are represented by the International Council (IC)
which is led by the IC Chairperson. Members of sections and structures have the
right to appoint one or more representatives to the Council according to the
size of their membership. The IC may invite representatives from International
Networks and other individuals to meetings, but only representatives from
sections and structures have voting rights. The function of the IC is to
appoint and hold accountable internal governing bodies and to determine the
direction of the movement. The IC convenes every two years.
The
International Executive Committee (IEC), led by the IEC Chairperson, consists
of eight members and the IEC Treasurer. It is elected by, and represents, the
IC and meets biannually. The role of the IEC is to take decisions on behalf of
Amnesty International, implement the strategy laid out by the IC, and ensure
compliance with the organization’s statutes.
The
International Secretariat (IS) is responsible for the conduct and daily affairs
of Amnesty International under direction from the IEC and IC. It is run by
approximately 500 professional staff members and is headed by a Secretary
General. The IS operates several work programmes; International Law and Organizations;
Research; Campaigns; Mobilization; and Communications. Its offices have been
located in London since its establishment in the mid-1960s.
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