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.

News and Updates
Appeals for action
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Blog

News and Updates

More than 1.3 million refugees from Syria in dire need of increased international support

24 April 2013

It is vital that the international community does more to help the increasing number of refugees pouring across borders as they flee the violence in Syria

Cancelled UN visit shows Bahrain 'not serious' about human rights

24 April 2013

Bahrain is clearly "not serious" about implementing human rights reforms, Amnesty International said after the Gulf kingdom cancelled a planned visit by the United Nations' torture expert.

Sudan: Indiscriminate bombing exacerbates humanitarian crisis in Southern Kordofan

17 April 2013

The UN Security Council and African Union (AU) must take immediate action to halt indiscriminate attacks in Southern Kordofan.

UN puts human rights at heart of historic Arms Trade Treaty

2 April 2013

The UN has adopted a new treaty that will prohibit states from transferring arms when they know they will be used to commit or facilitate genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes.

UN: Iran, North Korea and Syria cynically block lifesaving arms treaty

28 March 2013

In a deeply cynical move, Iran, North Korea and Syria have stalled an Arms Trade Treaty aimed at prohibiting states from transferring arms to countries commiting serious abuses.

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.