Amnesty International (AI) is that critical voice - independent from government, corporate or national interests - that works to protect human rights worldwide. Founded in 1961, AI now has more than 1.8 million members from over 150 countries around the world. It is organized into national sections in 53 countries with more than 7,800 local, youth, specialist and professional groups. Amnesty International has campaigned successfully for the International Criminal Court, a UN Treaty against Torture and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Amnesty International's mission is to undertake research and action focused on preventing and ending grave abuses of the rights to physical and mental integrity, freedom of conscience and expression, and freedom from discrimination, within the context of its work to promote human rights.

Prisoners of conscience have been released. Death sentences have been commuted. Torturers have been brought to justice. Governments have been persuaded to change their laws and practices.

You can make a difference
When you join Amnesty International, you become part of a worldwide movement. As an individual member, or as part of a local group or a specialist network, your individual voice will join with countless others to build pressure for change.