Amnesty International - Essay Example

? Amnesty International. It is worth noting that worldwide, many organizations are formed with the major objective of maximizing profits. On the other hand, it is also quite inspiring that in the same society, there are organizations that champion for societal equality and thus, such organizations sprouted as none- profit organizations whose objective is to help bring justice in the society. These ideal organizations are credited for their efforts to implement programs that would see to it that awareness about social problems is achieved. Among such vital organization include the Amnesty International and Save the Children organization. Amnesty International is an international organization of more than 3 million activists, supporters and volunteers in more than 150 countries, with complete independence from corporate, government or national interests. Amnesty International mission and work is to protect human rights worldwide. The choice of Amnesty International activism as the principle organization of focus came about following its global outlook. It is arguably a global movement of individuals promoting human rights and fighting injustice. They work to protect people wherever freedom, truth, justice, and dignity are denied. Their mission being to undertake research and steps focused on preventing and shutting off grave violation of human mental and physical integrity, freedom of expression and conscience, and freedom from discrimination. One of its objectives is always to work to promote all human rights. Currently it is the world’s largest grassroots human rights organizations that is charged with the responsibility of exposing and investigating abuses, mobilizing and educating the public, as well as help in transforming and molding societies to create a just and safer world. Their dedication to work enabled them to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for their lifesaving work (Amnesty International 23). The founding of Amnesty International marked its 50th anniversary in the year 2011, which began with one person, and an idea was and it is to protect human dignity and the human rights of those imprisoned for their beliefs (Amnesty International 45). In 1961 British, a lawyer named Benenson Peter launched a worldwide "Amnesty Appeal" on behalf of people imprisoned for expressing their beliefs peacefully. His article, entitled "The Forgotten Prisoners," in the London Observer went on to be reprinted in newspapers around the globe. This call to action reverberated with the aspirations and values of individuals everywhere, and the birth of Amnesty International resulted (Amnesty International 54). Today, this organization has expanded into a global movement with more than 3 million people, united by the commitment to human rights for all and freedom. As an activism organization, they work with and for each other to protect and defend human rights. They believe that human rights violations and abuses anywhere in the world are the concern of people everywhere. They strongly maintain that it is until every person can enjoy all of their basic rights they will continue their efforts. They will not stop until everyone is in a position to live in dignity; until every individual’s voice can be heard and until no one is executed or tortured. The members are the cornerstone of these great efforts. They take up human rights issues through online and offline campaigning, letter-writing, demonstrations, direct and vigils lobbying of those with influence and power. Locally, nationally and globally, they join to sensitize and mobilize public pressure and demonstrate international solidarity. The propelling force of Amnesty International is the idea that we are at their most powerful when they stand together for human rights. They also work together in various ways, insuring that all their supporters can be involved, wherever they reside and whatever their skills, age or background. This movement is driven by supporters, member states, more than 1,800 staff colleagues and hundreds of volunteers all over the world. Together they campaign to: defend freedom of expression, abolish the death penalty, demand justice of crimes against humanity, protect women’s rights and last but not the least to demand corporate accountability in companies that have abused people’s rights (Amnesty International 43). In Amnesty International upholds the inclusion principle when implementing its programs. The notable instances include for instance, across Ireland, volunteer activists meet on regularly bases in their universities or schools, communities to organize, actions and events and write letters on behalf of victims of human rights abuses. Some groups concentrate on specific countries and regions, such as Iran, Colombia, Israel, Zimbabwe or Mexico. Some may also focus on specific issues, for instance LGBT rights. Others concentrate and focus on a variety of global campaigns. Hundreds more join on social network and receive continuous email updates on eradicating the death penalty, mental health or on people all over the world who need urgent and immediate action taken on their behalf (Amnesty International 48). There are many ways one can help Amnesty International, including joining Amnesty International, making a donation, and taking action. This contribution makes a real difference and helps the organizations demand justice and shut off impunity anytime human rights violations occur. Donations as little as ?10 can be made via their secure online payment facility to support the vital work, for instance the Urgent Action campaign that help save people in extreme danger of torture or even death. They do not oppose or support any political system or government and neither do they necessarily oppose or support the views of those whose rights they seek to protect (Amnesty International 38). Amnesty International capitalizes campaigns to end grave abuses of human rights. They protect women’s rights, defend freedom of expression, demand justice of crimes against humanity, demand corporate accountability in companies that have abused people’s rights and abolish the death penalty. Through this social activism organisation, I have learned that it the responsibility of all to take action for human rights in order to realize hope for humanity. In addition, to defend, promote and protect human rights for all, human rights abusers must not be funded or armed. Save the Children Save the Children, is one other independent international non-governmental organization that promotes of children's rights, provides relief and supporting children in the United States of America and all over the globe. It was founded in the UK in 1919 to improve the lives of children through health care, better education, economic opportunities and providing emergency aid in war, natural disasters, and other conflicts. In addition to the organisation in United Kingdom, there are 28 other national Save the Children organizations who are members of this international organization, a worldwide network of nonprofit organizations supporting local partners in over 120 countries around the world (Breen 34). It was founded in London, on April 15, 1919 by Jebb Eglantyne and her sister Buxton Dorothy as an effort to assuage starvation of children in Austria-Hungary and Germany during the blockade Allied of Germany in World War I. In 1932, groups of likeminded Americans were inspired by the Jebb’s vision to establish Save the Children in the US. Their proximate goal was to support the children and families endeavoring to survive around the rugged Appalachia Mountains. Since then, at the heart of the organizations’ philosophy have always been the concepts of self-reliance and self-help where people take full control and charge of their lives in the development process (Lynda 21). Today, there are more than 50 nations, including the US, where Save the Children is transforming children’s lives by helping families and communities with the tools needed to break the vicious cycle of poverty (Crary 23). While their programs are diverse, their mission is singular, and it is to create long term and impact positively in the lives of children in dire need in the USA, and around the globe. Save the Children role is to act as a catalyst in community evolution (Lynda 36). They favor a multidisciplinary approach in acknowledging the interrelated and complex problems they address such illiteracy, poverty, poor health. Experience and innovation have been the keys to Save the Children’s success. Each and every volunteer and staff member of Save the Children is drive by the values that are children centered for instance, creativity, accountability, ambition, collaboration and integrity. They are recognized for commitment to innovation, accountability, and collaboration. Their work takes them into the communities, where they help children, families and communities help themselves. They work with governments, other organizations, nonprofits and a various local partners while maintaining their own independence without religious orientation or political agenda. In the event, a disaster strikes anywhere in the world, Save the Children is always there to save lives with food, education and medical care to help communities rebuild through lasting recovery programs. As effectively and as quickly as Save the Children acts and responds to civil conflict and tsunamis, it works to resolve the current challenges children face each day such as hunger, diseases, poverty and illiteracy and substitute them with hope for a brighter future (Buchanan 24). Anyone can help and get involved as a volunteer activist in save the children by providing a wide range of programs whenever and wherever they can make a difference for children in need. Individual donations and efforts go to services, and support such as emergency assistance, including medical, food and care, sourcing foods and proper nutrition for healthy lives, Safe drinking water to reduce water-borne diseases, medical intervention, Schools, safe playgrounds and extracurricular learning activities and last but not the least to access income and employment for children’s families. Through the many provided practical and effective donations options, one becomes an agent of change in the lives of children struggling in the poorest areas across the globe (Buchanan 45). There are many opportunities one to get involved in Save the Children, besides donating money. One can become a volunteer and partner and help children in need by hosting momentous events or purchasing online items and writing letters to the U.S. Congress. One can also impoverish children in need by advocating for them by liaising with elected leaders, becoming a fundraiser at grass root level, staying informed by signing eNewsletter and joining Save the children social network (Lynda57). Through save the children organization, I have learned that, for rapid social change to be realistic it calls for individuals, communities and state institutions to ensure that children are protected in all aspects children’s lives. It is also evident that many child abuse and violations cases go unreported since families feel it brings disrespect and dishonour to their families or they believe that formal justice system does not protect children. Save the children has made me understand that child labour, domestic violence, trafficking, sexual exploitation of children, child marriage are the key issues facing children worldwide. Last but not the least we can all partner with Save the Children in working to increase the capacity of community based organizations and government in identifying and responding to child abuse cases wherever we are. Work Cited Amnesty International. Amnesty International Report 2006: The State of the World's Human Rights. Amnesty International. ISBN 978-0-86210-369-9. 2006. Amnesty International. "Colombia: Amnesty International response to Andres Ballesteros et al.", AMR 23/006/2007, 21 February 2007. Web 3rd August 2012< http://www.amnestyusa.org> Breen, Rodney. "Saving Enemy Children: Save the Children's Russian Relief Organisation, 1921-1923". Disasters, 18, 3 (1994). 221-237. Buchanan, Torsta. "The Truth Will Set You Free': The Making of Amnesty International". Journal of Contemporary History , 37 ,4 (2002): 575–97 . Crary, David. "Furor Over Amnesty's Abortion Stance". 2007. USA Today. Web. 3rd August 2012 < http://www.amnestyusa.org>. Lynda, Mahood, & Vic, Satzewich. "The Save the Children Fund and the Russian Famine of 1921–23: Claims and Counter-Claims about Feeding “Bolshevik” Children," Journal of Historical Sociology, 22, 1 (2009), 55–83. Read More