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
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News and Updates

Syria: FSA killings probe findings ‘must go to UN inquiry’

3 August 2012

A Free Syrian Army probe into the alleged unlawful killings of 14 members of the al-Berri clan must be impartial and independent, and its results referred to the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria.

Op-Ed: The Security Council’s Syria shame

3 August 2012

Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan surprised most observers with his resignation as joint UN-Arab League envoy on Syria

Hopes raised for strong Arms Trade Treaty

27 July 2012

The prospect of a historic global deal to end the devastation caused by the irresponsible, poorly regulated arms trade has moved a step closer.

World powers delay landmark arms trade deal

27 July 2012

As reports of civilians being targeted in Syria continue to make headlines, China, Russia and the USA acted to delay what could have been a landmark agreement to end the irresponsible trade in arms.

Campaigners use graveyard stunt to show impact of global arms trade

26 July 2012

Campaigners lobbying for a strong Arms Trade Treaty staged a mock graveyard stunt to show the impact of the global arms trade.

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.