Amnesty International Day is a holiday celebrated annually on May 28th to commemorate the founding of Amnesty International on this date in 1961. This organization is a global movement that includes the work of 10 million people in over 150 different territories and countries who all campaign to end various human rights abuses.

This holiday does not just commemorate the founding of this organization, however. Its purpose is to encourage people from all over the world to join in the fight against human rights violations. After all, when one person’s human rights are being violated, it places everyone’s human rights in jeopardy.

The History of Amnesty International Day

Amnesty International was established by Peter Benenson, an English labor lawyer, who was inspired to create it after learning about two Portuguese students being imprisoned for seven years for having a drunken toast to liberty.

Mr. Benenson, along with Eric Baker of the Religious Society of Friends, and numerous writers, lawyers, and academics, all came together to write an article called “The Forgotten Prisoners.” This article was published in The Observer in May 1961.

The publication of this article led to an appeal, and then eventually, to the creation of Amnesty International. Ever since the creation of this organization, May 28th has been observed as Amnesty International Day.

Although originally only a celebration of the literal founding of this organization, it has since grown into a powerful marketing tool that allows the organization to raise awareness surrounding human rights.

Some Important Facts About Amnesty International

Before continuing with our discussion of Amnesty International Day, we thought we would take a few moments to list some of the facts that we have learned about this organization. We hope the following facts prove to be educational to anyone reading today.

• Amnesty International is known for its extensive letter-writing campaigns. These letters are used as a pressure tactic to let human rights violators know the world is watching.
• This organization does not usually take money from governments or political parties.
• This organization only accepts money from businesses that are carefully vetted.
• This organization won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1977.

Observing Amnesty International Day

Amnesty International Day can be observed by learning more about Amnesty International and the work they do around the globe, by reading about all of the past cases this organization has worked on over the years, or by attending one of the many events that they host all over the world.

People can also join the fight against human rights violations either directly or by donating to this organization. And finally, people can spread the word about this holiday to their peers using the hashtag #AmnestyInternationalDay.