United Nations

Calls for calm as Serbs rally - 21 February 2008

Hundreds of thousands of protesters are expected to take part in a "Kosovo is Serbia" rally in Belgrade on Thursday.

USA's record on racial discrimination under scrutiny - 18 February 2008

The USA's record under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination will come under scrutiny next week.

Civilians killed and displaced in Darfur clashes - 11 February 2008

Thousands of civilians have fled West Darfur’s Sirba region and an unknown number were killed as the Sudan Armed Forces moved to re-occupy the area.

Justice failed in Kosovo - 30 January 2008

War crimes and crimes against humanity from the Kosovo conflict in the late 1990s risk being left unpunished as a result of a failed UN justice mission.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights 60th anniversary

2008 is a landmark year in the global campaign to make human rights a reality for all people… it marks 60 years since the birth of its most important document.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) -- which confirms the acceptance of 30 rights - was adopted by UN member states on 10 December 1948. It began as an initiative of governments, but today it is the common goal of people everywhere.

In the run-up to the 60th anniversary, Amnesty International will organize a series of activities that celebrate the UDHR - and focus on what must be done to make that promise of universal, indivisible human rights a reality.

Every single person has rights - that is the essence of our humanity. Each of us has the duty to stand up, not just for our own rights, but also for those of others.

  • We believe human rights abuses anywhere are the concern of people everywhere.
  • We pledge to harness the power of individuals to galvanize action for justice and equality.
  • We are outraged at our leaders' betrayal and are determined to hold them to account.
  • We are committed to creating a world in which every person can realize their human rights.
  • We will carry the UDHR message of hope to every region of the world in its 60th anniversary year.
Guantánamo: Six years of injustice
Guantánamo is a symbol of injustice and abuse. Cases of secret detention, torture, renditions and indefinite detention without charge flout human rights principles. They jeopardize - rather than promote - security.

On 11 January 2008, we call on the US authorities to bring their detention policies and practices in line with international law - at Guantánamo and beyond. Read more

 

Anniversary highlights

Stop the human rights meltdown: make human rights real
Message from Irene Khan, Secretary General of Amnesty International, on International Human Rights Day (10 December 2007)

UN calls for halt to executions - 18 December 2007

The global campaign against the death penalty secures a landmark victory as the UN endorses the call for a worldwide moratorium on executions.

Chad: Escalating violence means UN must deploy, but be adequately resourced - 29 November 2007

Amnesty International warned today that the lack of technical support for peacekeeping forces in Chad, Darfur and the Central African Republic is endangering people's

Hit Make Some Noise album earns $2.5m - 14 December 2007

An Amnesty International album of John Lennon cover songs has raised $2.5 million after proving a hit in the album and download charts.

The "job" of a UN Special Procedure mandate-holder

The "Special Procedures" of the UN Human Rights Council are independent human rights experts who examine issues globally, or focus on specific places, or on particular groups.

Amnesty International checklist for eligible candidates for Special Procedures mandate holders

Suggestions for the Special Procedures roster should be based on the technical and objective requirements for candidates eligible to be appointed as mandate holders, and the following Amnesty Internat