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

Arms trade talks: Political chess games at UN risk millions of lives

17 February 2012

A small group of countries wants to effectively secure a veto over any global Arms Trade Treaty, while others are attempting to water down human rights safeguards.

Mexico urged to tackle discrimination against migrants and Indigenous Peoples

14 February 2012

Migrants and Indigenous Peoples in Mexico must be granted access to their basic human rights.

China urged to avoid forced repatriation of 21 North Koreans

14 February 2012

Some 21 North Koreans in China face expulsion to North Korea after being caught illegally in the country.

UN: Key talks open on treaty to end arms flow to atrocities

13 February 2012

Talks are under way at the UN to agree a comprehensive treaty to regulate the global arms trade, due to be finalized later this year.

Double veto of draft Security Council Resolution on Syria a betrayal of protesters

4 February 2012

Russia and China have again vetoed a UN Security Council resolution on Syria, the day after a military assault killed scores of civilians in Homs.

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.