Amnesty International [AI] is a worldwide movement of people who

campaign for internationally recognized human rights.AI's vision is of

a world in which every person enjoys all of the human rights enshrined

in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international

human rights standards.



In pursuit of this vision,AI'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 all human rights.



AI is independent of any government, political ideology, economic

interest or religion. It does not support or oppose any government or

political system, nor does it support or oppose the views of the

victims whose rights it seeks to protect. It is concerned solely with

the impartial protection of human rights.



AI has a varied network of members and supporters around the world. At

the latest count, there were more than 1.8 million members, supporters

and subscribers in over 150 countries and territories in every region

of the world. Although they come from many different backgrounds and

have widely different political and religious beliefs, they are united

by a determination to work for a world where everyone enjoys human

rights. AI is a democratic, self-governing movement.



Major policy decisions are taken by an International Council made up of

representatives from all national sections. AI's national sections and

local volunteer groups are primarily responsible for funding the

movement. No funds are sought or accepted from governments for AI's

work investigating and campaigning against human rights violations.

What does Amnesty International do? Amnesty International works

independently and impartially to promote respect for all the human

rights set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.



Amnesty International believes that human rights are interdependent and

indivisible ­ all human rights should be enjoyed by all people at all

times, and no one set of rights can be enjoyed at the expense of other

rights. It concentrates on ending grave abuses of the rights to

physical and mental integrity, freedom of conscience and expression,

and freedom from discrimination.



Historically, the main focus of Amnesty International`s campaigning

has been: --to free all prisoners of conscience --to ensure a prompt

and fair trial for all political prisoners --to abolish the death

penalty, torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or

punishment --to end extrajudicial executions and "disappearances" --to

fight impunity by working to ensure perpetrators of such abuses are

brought to justice in accordance with international standards Over the

years Amnesty International has expanded this mandate to encompass

human rights abuses committed by non governmental bodies and private

individuals [non state actors]. It opposes abuses by armed political

groups [in control of territory or operating in opposition to

governments], such as hostage taking, torture and unlawful killings.



It opposes human rights abuses against civilians and non combatants by

both sides during armed conflict. Amnesty International has also

targeted abuses in the home or community where governments have been

complicit or have failed to take effective action.