1/. "Govts aren't insensitive to the outside pressure & when world opinion is concentrated on one weak spot, it can succeed in making govts relent...That is why we have started Appeal for Amnesty, 1961"
It's 60 years since @amnesty launched with this OpEd
theguardian.com/uk/1961/may/28…
It's 60 years since @amnesty launched with this OpEd
theguardian.com/uk/1961/may/28…
2/. The idea of @amnesty founder, Peter Beneson, was a simple & beautiful one
To harness the power of public opinion to change the world for the better
Six decades, on that idea still fizzes with energy & boundless potential & Amnesty Intnl's work has never been more important.
To harness the power of public opinion to change the world for the better
Six decades, on that idea still fizzes with energy & boundless potential & Amnesty Intnl's work has never been more important.
3/. In 1977 - 16 years after it was set-up - Mumtaz Soysal, an ex-Prisoner of Conscience accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on @amnesty's behalf with a poem
"Soon night will fall & they'll close the cell doors
I don't feel lonely
I am with the whole of mankind & mankind is with me"
"Soon night will fall & they'll close the cell doors
I don't feel lonely
I am with the whole of mankind & mankind is with me"
4/. Amnesty created the term "prisoner of conscience" & straight away began helping thousands to be released: 1,059 in 1974 alone!
In 1972 they launched the first global campaign to abolish torture
In 1986, Mandela wrote to thank Amnesty for their support in fighting apartheid.
In 1972 they launched the first global campaign to abolish torture
In 1986, Mandela wrote to thank Amnesty for their support in fighting apartheid.
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