What's been accomplished?
Since the day it was founded Amnesty International has been working towards a better world with equal rights and freedom for the whole world. They are now a global movement of over 2.8 million people in more than 150 countries. Here are some of their important accomplishments throughout the years.
Early Years:
-In 1961 they had their first mission to Ghana which saw 152 political prisoners released because of their pressure.
-Were given consultative status by United nations in 1964, by Council of Europe in 1965 and UNESCO in 1969.
-By 1969 4,000 prisoners had been adopted and half had been released since the founding of Amnesty International (1961).
-1972 saw the first worldwide campaign to abolish torture.
-1,059 prisoners were released in 1974 alone.
-Won a Nobel Peace price in 1977, and a UN Human Rights award in 1978.
Later years:
-1981 marked their 20th anniversary.
-In 1985 their statute was broadened to include work for refugees.
-More than 10,000 members of state and people of influence in South Africa are written to by members protesting apartheid in 1986.
-1988 'Human Rights Now' campaign and concert tour in 15 countries.
-Members write 25,000 letters to China following the massacre of Tienanmen Square in 1989.
-1993 marks the first meeting with the British Prime Minister concerning China, former Yugoslavia and the plight of political refugees.
-'Human Rights are Women's Rights' campaign in 1994.
-1999 campaign draws attention to 300,000 child soldiers around the world.
Recent Years:
-By 2001 covered more than 47,00 cases.
-With Oxfam succeeds at first steps towards arms control in 2001.
-In 2005 becomes the worlds largest independent human rights organization.
-2006 campaign against internet repression.
-133 countries abolished the death penalty law by 2007.
Early Years:
-In 1961 they had their first mission to Ghana which saw 152 political prisoners released because of their pressure.
-Were given consultative status by United nations in 1964, by Council of Europe in 1965 and UNESCO in 1969.
-By 1969 4,000 prisoners had been adopted and half had been released since the founding of Amnesty International (1961).
-1972 saw the first worldwide campaign to abolish torture.
-1,059 prisoners were released in 1974 alone.
-Won a Nobel Peace price in 1977, and a UN Human Rights award in 1978.
Later years:
-1981 marked their 20th anniversary.
-In 1985 their statute was broadened to include work for refugees.
-More than 10,000 members of state and people of influence in South Africa are written to by members protesting apartheid in 1986.
-1988 'Human Rights Now' campaign and concert tour in 15 countries.
-Members write 25,000 letters to China following the massacre of Tienanmen Square in 1989.
-1993 marks the first meeting with the British Prime Minister concerning China, former Yugoslavia and the plight of political refugees.
-'Human Rights are Women's Rights' campaign in 1994.
-1999 campaign draws attention to 300,000 child soldiers around the world.
Recent Years:
-By 2001 covered more than 47,00 cases.
-With Oxfam succeeds at first steps towards arms control in 2001.
-In 2005 becomes the worlds largest independent human rights organization.
-2006 campaign against internet repression.
-133 countries abolished the death penalty law by 2007.
In more detail:
http://www.amnesty.org.uk/timeline.asp#faq11
http://www.amnesty.org/en/50/timeline