United Nations

Campaigning to put human rights at the heart of the United Nations

Human rights diplomacy is everybody’s business. Make your voice count at the UN: join Amnesty International’s UN campaigns!

The UN is essential to ensuring accountability by member states for their human rights obligations and commitments. The UN is also a key platform for the development of international human rights laws and standards.

Amnesty International campaigns to put human rights violations on the UN agenda and makes recommendations for action by member states and UN institutions to protect human rights in all countries. Amnesty International also works to strengthen the effectiveness of the UN human rights machinery.

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News and Updates

USA shows strong support for new global Arms Trade Treaty

16 May 2013

A senior US diplomat has said his government will be quick to sign the new Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), a move Amnesty International said raises hopes for swift implementation of the potentially lifesaving treaty around the world.

UN resolution on Syria will do little to stop massive abuses

15 May 2013

Today’s United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution on Syria is a positive step but it does little to address the immense ongoing human rights and humanitarian crisis in the country.

More than 1.3 million refugees from Syria in dire need of increased international support

24 April 2013

It is vital that the international community does more to help the increasing number of refugees pouring across borders as they flee the violence in Syria

Cancelled UN visit shows Bahrain 'not serious' about human rights

24 April 2013

Bahrain is clearly "not serious" about implementing human rights reforms, Amnesty International said after the Gulf kingdom cancelled a planned visit by the United Nations' torture expert.

Sudan: Indiscriminate bombing exacerbates humanitarian crisis in Southern Kordofan

17 April 2013

The UN Security Council and African Union (AU) must take immediate action to halt indiscriminate attacks in Southern Kordofan.

Appeals for action

Call for governments to sign up to defend economic, social and cultural rights

13 August 2009

Hunger, homelessness and preventable diseases are not inevitable social problems or simply the result of natural disasters – they are a violation of people’s economic, social and cultural rights.