Justice Matters: the work of Amnesty International

Many organisations work for justice here and abroad.  But how much do we know about them?   Last week we asked whether government actions supported Pope Francis’ appeal that we “widen our view of what it is to be human and to see the whole of creation as our family”.  This week we see how Amnesty International (AI) shows us that people working together can hold governments to account for their failure to look after our brothers and sisters throughout the world

See:   AI was started by a British lawyer, Peter Benenson, outraged at how two Portuguese students were jailed for drinking a toast to freedom. He didn’t say it wasn’t his responsibility because they were Portuguese but wrote and called for amnesty.  This call was amplified by others. In a quote echoing Pope Francis, Peter Benenson said   “Only when the last prisoner of conscience has been freed, when the last torture chamber has been closed, when the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a reality for the world’s people, will our work be done.”  His saw that all of humanity was connected.  

AI acts against tyranny wherever it is practised. It is often a mechanism for perpetuating an unjust system.  For example where poverty prevents people from accessing a dignified life. AI argue that “People living in poverty are often trapped because they are excluded from the rest of society, denied a say, and threatened with violence and insecurity…. Put simply, respect for human rights demands inclusion… that everyone gets a say…that those in power protect people from threats to their security.” AI intervenes for individuals who protest against such conditions and suffer for their actions. Prisoners of conscience are defined as “any person imprisoned or otherwise physically restricted (like house arrest), solely because of his/her political, religious or other conscientiously held beliefs…. or other status, and who has not used violence or advocated violence or hatred.”   

Reflect:  Prisoners of conscience people the Old and New Testament.  Jesus was himself one, ultimately killed for his non-violent dissent and unwillingness to act in a way that harmed others or advocated hatred. Do we see him in those seeking the human rights that most of us enjoy?  Those seeking sanctuary, homes, a fair wage? 

Act:   AI say “Through detailed research and determined campaigning, we help fight abuses of human rights worldwide... And free people jailed just for voicing their opinion.”   Their website is a treasure trove of actions that can produce huge results. It can be signing a petition or writing a letter.  Jani Silva a Colombian environmental activist wrote   “I am so very grateful for the letters. From the bottom of my heart, this campaign has kept me alive. It’s what has stopped them from killing me, because they know that you are there.” AI write reports on nation states and their latest one looks at Israel as an apartheid state. 

Tricia Kaminski