Individuals at Risk
Work on behalf of individuals is the foundation of Amnesty International's work. AI began as a letter writing appeal in 1961 on behalf of six prisoners of conscience (someone imprisoned solely for the peaceful expression of their beliefs). Over the years we have found that as we work to free individuals, we also raise awareness about human rights abuses affecting millions. Since Amnesty International was founded, more than 44,000 individuals have been freed from prison, protected from torture and secured from death threats. The Program for Individuals at Risk continues this campaign for human rights on behalf of individuals around the world. » See how you can get involved.
Reverend Bienvenido Samba Momesori. © Private
GOOD NEWS!!
On Saturday June 7, 2008, prisoner of conscience Reverend Bienvenido Samba of Equatorial Guinea was freed under the terms of a presidential pardon. A prominent pastor and member of an ethnic group native to Bioko Island, Reverend Samba was arrested at his church in 2002. He was initially held incommunicado with the authorities refusing to disclose his whereabouts. It was not until December 2003 that Reverend Samba's family learned he was being detained in Evinayong Prison. A prisoner of conscience, arrested solely for his ethnic origin and his peaceful political opinions, Reverend Samba continued to be held without charge or trial. » Read more | » See press release
Ma Khin Khin Leh from Myanmar is currently featured as a Special Focus Case.
SPECIAL FOCUS CASES
Through the Special Focus Case project, Amnesty International brings concentrated action to bear upon the cases of specific individuals with the intention of winning their freedom or securing their safety. All visitors to Amnesty's website are encouraged to take action on the Special Focus Cases. Selected cases are also taken up for action by Amnesty's student and local groups.
» Take Action on a Special Focus Case
Saidjahon Zainabitdinov, the subject of UA 138/05, was released on February 4, 2008.
URGENT ACTION NETWORK
Amnesty International's Urgent Action Network provides a rapid response to urgent situations involving detainees at risk of torture, death or other grave human rights violations. Members of the Urgent Action Network in 90 countries take fast action on short-term cases by composing and sending letters, e-mails, and faxes to the government officials who are in a position to ensure the safety and fair treatment of those whom AI seeks to protect.
» Write letters on the most recent Urgent Actions
Nicholas writes a letter to an imprisoned individual.
AI KIDS
AIKids' Urgent Actions are actions written in a style accessible to young people of middle school age. Often these actions are about young people. AIKids' Special Focus Cases, and AIKids' Holiday or Summer Card Actions provide unique hands-on human rights educational opportunities for the home or classroom. The monthly AIKids' UA offers teachers and parents a chance to introduce children to letter-writing as an empowering tool.
» Learn more about AI Kids
Magdalena García Durán, a Freedom Writers focus case, was released November 9, 2007.
FREEDOM WRITERS
Each month, members of Amnesty International USA's Freedom Writers Network take action on three selected human rights cases from various regions of the world. Action by members can help bring about a prisoner's release, secure vital information, launch an investigation, or even save a life. Sample letters are provided for each case; they can be sent directly to government officials or used as guides for composing your own correspondence.
» Send letters through the Freedom Writers Network
Help These Individuals!
Move your cursor over an image to see a description of the case.Click on the image to make a difference!
