Amnesty International (AI) is a worldwide movement of people
who campaign for internationally recognized human rights.
AI’s vision is of a world in which every person enjoys all of the
human rights enshrined in the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
and other international human rights standards.
In pursuit of this vision, AI’s mission is to undertake research and
action focused on preventing and ending grave abuses of the rights to
physical and mental integrity, freedom of conscience and expression,
and freedom from discrimination, within the context of its work to
promote all human rights.
AI 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 support or oppose the views of the
victims whose rights it seeks to protect. It is concerned solely
with the impartial protection of human rights.
AI has a varied network of members and supporters around the world. At
the latest count, there were more than 1.8 million members, supporters
and subscribers in over 150 countries and territories in every region
of the world. Although they come from many different backgrounds and
have widely different political and religious beliefs, they are united
by a determination to work for a world where everyone enjoys human
rights.
AI is a democratic, self-governing movement. Major policy decisions
are taken by an International Council made up of representatives from
all national sections.
AI’s national sections and local volunteer groups are primarily
responsible for funding the movement. No funds are sought or accepted
from governments for AI’s work investigating and campaigning against
human rights violations.
