Amnesty International is a non-governmental (NGO) organisation dedicated to upholding the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. British lawyer Peter Benenson founded the association in London in 1961. Today, it is the most widespread human rights organisation in the world. There are chapters and individual members in more than 150 countries and its headquarters are in London.

Amnesty is committed to supporting people who have been imprisoned for their political, religious, social or sexual beliefs and/or orientation and have not used violence. To ensure that the fundamental rights of all people are defended equally, Amnesty International does not want to be tied to any government, political party, ideology, religion or economic interest group.