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

El Salvador: No justice 20 years on from UN Truth Commission

15 March 2013

Two decades after the publication of a UN-backed Truth Commission report, survivors of human rights abuses committed during El Salvador's armed conflict (1980-1992) are still searching for justice.

From ‘Days of Rage’ to raging conflict - Two years of turmoil in Syria

15 March 2013

Two years since the Syrian uprising began, we speak to Amnesty Researcher Cilina Nasser and Senior Crisis Advisor Donatella Rovera about the conflict so far.

Snapshot of Syria – UN must take urgent action to ensure justice for victims of gross abuses

14 March 2013

Two years after Syrians rose in peaceful protest against their government, the country is mired in a bloody conflict with both sides responsible for war crimes, Amnesty International found in two briefings released today.

World powers urged to support a robust Arms Trade Treaty

12 March 2013

Arms supplied by the world’s major powers are among those contributing to the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives and blighting the livelihoods of millions of people every year.

Women explain why an arms trade treaty can save many lives

7 March 2013

At least 200,000 people die every year as an indirect result of conflicts frequently fuelled by the uncontrolled flow of small arms. Many of them are women. Three activists spoke to Amnesty International about the importance of an international Arms Trade Treaty.

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.