Amnesty International Philippines

Description

Amnesty International Philippines is the Philippine section of the global human rights movement Amnesty International. It works to defend and promote human rights across the Philippines. It operates independently of any government, political party or religion, and is funded mainly by its members and public donations.

The organization campaigns and lobbies for stronger human rights laws, including anti-torture legislation, the abolition of the death penalty, and protections for women and children. It has pushed for ratification of international treaties such as the Convention against Enforced Disappearances and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. It also supports human rights education, running youth summits, training for journalists and advocacy workshops for communities and networks.

Its supporters get involved through letters, campaigns, demonstrations and direct appeals to decision-makers. The organization has worked to secure the release of people it says were wrongly detained, and to support victims of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearance. It also helps farmers, indigenous peoples and refugees pursue their rights and seek asylum.

The Philippine section grew out of a group of activists formed during the final years of martial law and was officially registered in 1987 in Manila. From four founding members in 1984 it grew to more than 114,000 members and supporters by 2023. It remains part of Amnesty International’s worldwide movement of millions of members, supporters and activists.