United Nations

Campaigning to put human rights at the heart of the United Nations

Human rights diplomacy is everybody’s business. Make your voice count at the UN: join Amnesty International’s UN campaigns!

The UN is essential to ensuring accountability by member states for their human rights obligations and commitments. The UN is also a key platform for the development of international human rights laws and standards.

Amnesty International campaigns to put human rights violations on the UN agenda and makes recommendations for action by member states and UN institutions to protect human rights in all countries. Amnesty International also works to strengthen the effectiveness of the UN human rights machinery.

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News and Updates

Double veto of draft Security Council Resolution on Syria a betrayal of protesters

4 February 2012

Russia and China have again vetoed a UN Security Council resolution on Syria, the day after a military assault killed scores of civilians in Homs.

Security Council: Russia must not block efforts to end atrocities in Syria

1 February 2012

Russia is urged not to block the UN Security Council's efforts to end human rights violations in Syria.

Yemen urged to reject amnesty law for President Saleh and aides

9 January 2012

The Yemeni parliament is set to vote on a controversial bill which grants President Saleh and his aides immunity from prosecution.

Arab League should clarify human rights situation in Syria

6 January 2012

An Arab League observer mission to Syria is due to report back on its preliminary findings on Sunday.

South Sudan/Sudan: UN must step up security efforts to allow civilians displaced from Abyei to return

20 December 2011

Virtually the entire population of Abyei remains displaced by ongoing fighting between factions in Sudan and South Sudan.

Appeals for action

Call for governments to sign up to defend economic, social and cultural rights

13 August 2009

Hunger, homelessness and preventable diseases are not inevitable social problems or simply the result of natural disasters – they are a violation of people’s economic, social and cultural rights.