Non governmental organizations and the promotion of human rights: a study of amnesty international

Thesis Abstract

Man as an individual has the inviolable rights which are protected by numerous conventions, declarations, constitutions and laws. The role of human rights and freedoms are guaranteed rights and they reflect the role played by human and civil society. Human rights can not buy, earn or inherit, they are “inalienable” because no one has the right to confiscate any reason.

These rights are inherent to every human being, regardless of his race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, nationality, property status, status of birth etc.. Human rights is particularly important in the relationship between people and the state. They control and regulate the performance of the state government on individuals, are granted freedoms of individuals in relation to the state, and they are required by the state to meet the basic needs of the people within its jurisdiction.

Internationally these rights are best described in the international instruments agreed between states and that set standards in the field of human rights. The most famous such instrument is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in which are reflected the principles that have a strong influence in the world. The Declaration itself is not binding, but over the years it has become legally binding through international custom and practice, because they are used in many states constitutions and legal cases.

In today’s world that are more acts of violence, torture and turmoil, it is inevitable there is no legal protection of man and his rights. For this reason, despite the existence of the European Court of Human Rights, organized and formed a number of international and national organizations, with the sole purpose to protect universal human rights. One of the most influential and also the largest organization for the protection of human rights worldwide is Amnesty International.

It is a worldwide campaigning movement that works to promote and protect human rights around the world, which has been carefully kept by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international standards. Amnesty International is actually a global NGO, ie the movement of people who are fighting for the protection of human rights and their international recognition. The vision of this organization is to give support to each individual in order to be able to enjoy all the benefits and rights that are provided with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Amnesty International characteristic is that it works with and for the people through their organizing campaign to protect and promote human rights. She through her campaigns actually send messages to all governments and authorities to respect the rule of law and thus affect international relations.