What is "Amnesty International"?

Amnesty International (AI) is an international secular non-governmental organization which defines its mission as "to conduct research and generate action to prevent and end grave abuses of human rights and to demand justice for those whose rights have been violated." Founded in 1961, AI draws attention to human rights abuses, campaigns for compliance with international standards, and works to mobilize public opinion which exerts pressure on individuals who perpetrate abuses. (One such campaign is that of Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi, pictured, who was named AI's 2009 "Ambassador of Conscience"). AI was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its "campaign against torture" and the United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights.

• Members: 2.2 million members and supporters
• Staff: Irene Khan, Seán MacBride, Martin Ennals, Peter Benenson, Thomas Hammarberg, Eric Baker, Ian Martin, and Pierre Sané
• Services: Media attention, direct-appeal campaigns, research, lobbying
• Founded by Peter Benenson and headquartered in the UK
• Method: Protecting human rights
• Motto: "It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness."

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