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

UN reinforces call to end executions

20 November 2008

Over 100 countries have adopted a second United Nations resolution calling for a moratorium on the use of the death penalty.

UN adopts key economic, social and cultural rights instrument

19 November 2008

The international community has taken a step towards strengthening human rights protection, particularly for the world's most marginalised.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights visits Amnesty International

12 November 2008

The recently appointed UN High Commissioner for Human Rights met representatives of NGOs at a meeting hosted by Amnesty International in London on Tuesday.

Landslide UN vote in favour of developing an Arms Trade Treaty

4 November 2008

One hundred and forty-seven states voted overwhelmingly at the United Nations on Friday to move forward with work on the main elements of an Arms Trade Treaty.

Japan urged to restore dignity to WWII "comfort women"

3 November 2008

The UN Human Rights Committee has called on the Government of the Japan to restore dignity to the survivors of Japan’s military sexual slavery system.

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.