Annual Report 2011
The state of the world's human rights

On Human Rights Day, we lit up the world!

On 10 December, hundreds of thousands of activists let their passion and creativity shine in events worldwide. From a candle-lit parade in Mali and video projections on buildings in Germany to lighting home-made lanterns in Puerto Rico − even Canada's famous Niagara Falls was bathed in bright yellow light for the occasion. See the gallery on the right for more brilliant events.

Our words, vision and imagination put the spotlight on people whose rights are under threat. Together, we inspired many more people to take action, helping to change lives.

Thank you for taking part and letting your light shine!

Campaigns

Faxjam the President of Colombia on behalf of the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó

For over 50 years we have been fighting for freedom of expression. The world has changed, but violence and imprisonment are still used to silence people who defend human rights and criticize the power...

Abolish the death penalty

Only nine countries had abolished the death penalty for all crimes in 1961, when Amnesty International was created. Tod...

Corporate accountability

The Nigerian government has failed to hold the oil industry to account for widespread pollution in t...

Defending women's and girls' rights in Nicaragua

In Nicaragua, all abortion, even for survivors of rape, is banned. On 28 September 2011, women and g...

Women demanding an equal voice in the new Egypt

During the Egyptian uprising, women stepped into the political limelight and demanded change. They a...

Freedom of expression

The right to freedom of expression is a cornerstone for any fair society. It is how we contribute to...

Stories to inspire

Putting justice for the world’s poorest people within reach

Activists helped secure a new way of getting justice for people living in povert...

Women of Zimbabwe Arise

The activists from Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) are often arrested and detain...

Myroslav Marynovich, Ukraine

A former prisoner of conscience found his own way of saying “thanks” to the ...

You won’t mine us out of existence

Local people in one of India’s poorest states campaigned alongside Amnesty Int...

Protecting lives by letter and fax

Ordinary people can change – and sometimes even save – lives, simply by send...

Radhia Nasraoui, Tunisia

 A warm “thank you” to Amnesty International members from Tunisian huma...

Earth Candle

Activism at the global level

Take action against injustice and watch it light up the world as you join thousands of others from around the globe.
Check it out »

Toast to freedom

Fifty years ago, one man’s outrage at the imprisonment of two students for raising a toast to freedom spawned a powerful network of solidarity. That network grew to unite millions in common action against injustice ...
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Fifty years of Amnesty International

Journey through Amnesty International’s history and explore 50 years of human rights achievements and challenges ...
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Art for Amnesty

Amnesty International has a proud history of working with musicians, actors, comedians and others in the artistic community ...
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Amnesty International on social networks