Prisoners Cannot Be Denied Their Rights
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that no one may be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or imprisonment.
All defendants have the right to a fair trial. In many countries, people are held without due process and prisoners are convicted in unfair trials.
Amnesty International's detention and imprisonment work focuses on:
- Prisoners of conscience
- Arbitrary, incommunicado and secret detention
- Solitary confinement
- Fair trials
- Torture and other forms of ill-treatment
Amnesty International takes action through its Urgent Action Network and other avenues for prisoners and detainees whose lives or health are at risk from harsh prison conditions that amount to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
Campaigning for the release of individual prisoners of conscience around the world has been a longstanding activity for Amnesty International and our activities have led to the release of many prisoners throughout the years.
Amnesty International also calls on governments to ensure safeguards for a fair trial are fully respected for all prisoners. It demands that national laws and practices conform to international human rights standards to ensure that all prisoners and detainees are treated humanely.
