Overview
Amnesty International (AI) is a global non-governmental organisation founded in 1961 in London. It operates as a worldwide movement of millions of supporters across more than 150 countries, campaigning to end human rights abuses.
Its core purpose is to promote and protect the rights set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The organisation is independent of governments, political ideologies and economic interests, and focuses on impartial advocacy for individuals and communities.
Mission and focus areas
Amnesty International’s mission centres on conducting research and taking action to prevent and end serious human rights violations. Its work spans issues such as freedom of expression, detention, discrimination, armed conflict, and corporate accountability.
The organisation contributes to ESG and sustainability discussions through its focus on social justice, governance, and accountability. It highlights risks linked to human rights violations in supply chains, public policy, and corporate behaviour, which are increasingly relevant for responsible investment and sustainable finance practices.
Structure and governance
Amnesty International operates as a global movement composed of national sections, regional offices and an international secretariat. Its governance includes an international executive structure overseeing strategy and operations, supported by membership-based participation.
The organisation is funded primarily by individual members and supporters, reinforcing its independence. Its decentralised structure enables coordinated global campaigns while allowing regional offices to address local human rights issues.
Programs and offerings
Amnesty International produces research reports, policy analysis and advocacy campaigns that document human rights violations and influence decision-makers. Its outputs include thematic reports, country briefings and urgent action appeals.
The organisation also mobilises public engagement through petitions, campaigns and educational resources. These tools support practitioners, policymakers and investors seeking to understand human rights risks and integrate social considerations into decision-making processes.
Our mission and statute
We have a vision of a world where everyone can enjoy the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights mechanisms. To achieve this vision, our mission is to undertake research and action focused on preventing and ending grave abuses of these rights.
Our core values are rooted in our commitment to the global community of human rights defenders that make up our membership:
- International solidarity
- Effective action for the individual victim
- Global coverage
- Universality and indivisibility of human rights
- Impartiality and independence
- Democracy and human rights
