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

Fight against Female Genital Mutilation wins UN backing

26 November 2012

The UN General Assembly’s human rights committee has given a major boost to civil society organizations fighting for an end to FGM.

UN: Global Arms Trade Treaty a step closer after resounding vote

7 November 2012

An overwhelming 157 UN member states have voted in favour of finalizing the global Arms Trade Treaty next March.

Sri Lanka’s empty promises and denial of rights crisis exposed at UN

1 November 2012

The UN's Universal Periodic Review on Sri Lanka has highlighted Colombo’s continued denial of the human rights crisis in the country.

Bahrain: UN human rights review must spur action not hollow pledges

19 September 2012

The UN Human Rights Council's review of the human rights situation in Bahrain will have been a hollow exercise unless it is followed by concrete action.

Ban Ki-moon must address UN' s failure to bring justice to Timor-Leste victims

14 August 2012

Despite its involvement in Timor-Leste since June 1999, the UN has failed to meet its commitments to ensure justice for victims.

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.