Urgent Actions

We use Urgent Actions to mobilize thousands of activists worldwide as fast as possible when someone is facing immediate and often life-threatening human rights violations. 

We issue hundreds of Urgent Actions every year – in each one we describe the situation and give simple instructions on how to help.

This may be sending a letter, email or SMS message directly to those who have the power to stop the violations. It may be sending messages of solidarity to the individual at risk themselves. It may be suggestions for local campaign initiatives.

Examples of Urgent Actions

• A man being tortured in detention for peacefully speaking about his beliefs.
• Children starving because government security forces prevent food from reaching their village.
• A woman defending her community's human rights and facing death threats.

Amnesty International also takes up hundreds of long-term cases on behalf of those whose rights have been abused and to compel unflinching governments to address long-standing violations. For example:

• A Prisoner of Conscience, imprisoned solely for the non-violent expression of her opinions.
• Defending a community at risk of forced eviction
• Supporting a survivor of rape fighting for justice
• Working with the family of a man taken by the authorities many years ago and not heard from since.